Majiayao painted pottery

As people gradually settled down, the pottery models embraced changes. Though the dominance of eating utensils such as pans and bowls continued, those for storage purposes, such as urns, jars and bottles, grew in number. Painted pottery drums, the earliest percussion instrument, even came into being. Overall, pottery models during that period tend to have smoother outlines and better practicability.

Banshan culture dates back to around 4,500 years ago and features the dominance of red potteries, coupled with a small number of gray and white ones. Thanks to the further development of agriculture and a settled life, pottery-making was highly advanced back then, pushing the painted pottery art to its prime.

It is period marking the largest discoveries of painted potteries, with delicate designs and patterns outlined by mostly red and black lines.