Chinese ceramics date back over 10,000 years, beginning with Neolithic painted earthenware of the Yangshao culture and black pottery of the Longshan culture. During the Shang dynasty, early glazed ceramics (proto-celadon) emerged, and by the Warring States period, high-fired pottery and large-scale ceramic production—including the famous Terracotta Army—were common. True celadon developed during the Eastern Han dynasty and evolved further through subsequent dynasties, while early white porcelain appeared during the Northern Qi period.

The Tang dynasty (618–907) saw the flourishing of colorful ceramics, including the famous three-color (sancai) wares. White porcelain from Xing and Ding kilns, celadon from Yue kilns, and underglaze-painted wares from Changsha kilns gained prominence, with some exported abroad.

During the Song dynasty (960–1279), Chinese ceramics reached new artistic heights. Renowned kilns such as Ding, Ru, Guan, Yaozhou, Jian, Jizhou, and Jingdezhen produced distinctive white porcelains, celadons, tea bowls, and qingbai wares. Regional kiln traditions flourished, each developing unique styles.

In the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), blue-and-white porcelain was perfected, and underglaze copper-red decoration emerged. Large quantities of Chinese ceramics were exported throughout Asia and the Middle East.

During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Jingdezhen became the center of imperial porcelain production. Advances in blue-and-white porcelain, copper-red wares, and colorful enamel techniques such as doucai and wucai led to some of China's finest ceramics. Private kilns expanded production and increasingly supplied both domestic and international markets.

In the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), imperial kilns resumed full operation, and ceramic craftsmanship reached its peak during the reigns of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors, producing highly refined and technically sophisticated porcelains.