Wei & Northern Wei
China - Wei & Northern Wei
As we see the end of the Han Dynasty unfolding, we find in 220 AD, China divided between three autonomous States. These States comprised of the States of Wei (220-265 AD), Shu (221-263 AD), and Wu (222-280 AD). After three centuries of Civil Wars under the Chin (265-320 AD), and Southern & Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD) China was finally reunited under the Sui Dynasty.
Gray ware figurines remained popular during this period, but for the first time ever we see introduced many of the mythological animals and human/animal figurines which are so appreciated by the Asian antique collectors of the world today. Up until this time, most pottery designs and shapes tried to recreate these same patterns found in the bronzes of the Shan and Chou Periods.
During the Southern & Northern Dynasty’s period of both Northern and Southern China, we begin to see truly unique shapes of vessels designed just for Green ware. Spirit jars made ofGreen ware reached a height of popularity during the Eastern & Western Chin Dynasties. Animal?shaped candle holders emerged during the period of Wu. Because of the strong Buddhist influence of the period, the lotus motif became a primal aspect of much of the art pieces represented during this period as well.