ON THE EARLY FORMS OF CERAMICS - THE PRECURSORS OF PORCELAIN IN CHINA

The article discusses the early forms of ceramic production in China, the precursors to Chinese porcelain, a transitional stage to the formation of porcelain manufacturing practice. The paper summarizes the results of previous research and outlines the problem of terminology in the study of early forms of Chinese ceramics. The study discusses the key issues of the origin of proto- porcelain. Special attention is paid to the issue of the relationship between proto- porcelain and stamped hard ceramics. Based on SEM- EDS and EPMA- WDS results of the chemical compositions of the proto- porcelain and stamped pottery bodies and glazes, the study identifies their similarities and differences. In addition, the author considers the question of the origin of glaze on the surface of Chinese proto- porcelain. A comparative analysis of the glaze composition indicates a significant difference between glaze of proto- porcelain body and the internal glassy surfaces of the kiln, which suggests that their formation is associated with different processes and different ceramic materials. In the case of proto- porcelain glazes, there is a intended development and mastering of early glazing technology.