Drinking Vessels

Drinking vessels have as a long history as wine. As early as in the Neolithic Period pottery was brought into use to hold wine. And a variety of forms from a simple cup to those with handles and elaborate shapes were produced. Also different materials were made into drinking vessels. Usually, the quality of the vessels can suggest the status of the owner.

Classification of the Drinking Vessels according to the Materials

1. Natural material vessels like wood, bamboo, animal horn, whelk, bottle gourd.

2. Bronze vessels

Bronze vessels became the fashion during the Shang Dynasty. They were usually in the shapes of the tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, ox or sheep, etc, and for four different purposes:

A.     for heating their contents;

B.     for containing a quantity of wine;

C.     for storage of wine;

D.     as a symbol social status.

3. Lacquer vessel

Lacquer vessels became popular in the Han Dynasty. Excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs has revealed some 90 ear-handled cups. Ears-handled cups were used for the convenience of the Han people because they used to sit on the floor of the houses in diner.

4. Porcelain vessel

Porcelain vessels are popular in the Tang Dynasty and were still highly in use in the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. With the development of manufacturing skill, the design was not as clumsy as before. They became smaller and more delicate with some patterns of flowers on.

There are still other kinds: Jade vessels; Crystal vessels; Gold vessels; Silver vessesl; Tin vessels; Ivory vessels; Cloisonne vessels; Glass vessels; Aluminium vessels; Stainless steel vessels; Plastic vessels; Paper vessels.

If you want to know more about Chinese Culture, please check http://www.no-1chineselearning.com