In the heart of northwest China's Gansu Province lies Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, a region steeped in history and renowned as the 'hometown of painted pottery.'
For over 5,000 years, Linxia has been a cradle of ceramic artistry, home to numerous Majiayao cultural relics characterized by their beautifully colored ceramics. These ancient masterpieces not only showcase exquisite craftsmanship but also provide invaluable insights into early human civilization.
Linxia stands out as one of China's pioneering regions for archaeological exploration, with an array of prehistoric sites that dot its diverse landscape. These excavations have unveiled a tapestry of cultural relics, each representing distinct cultural types that once thrived in the area.
The discovery and naming of seven distinct cultures, including the Banshan and Bianjialin types of the Majiayao culture, as well as the Qijia culture, underscore Linxia's pivotal role in the evolution of China's painted pottery tradition. These findings highlight the region's enduring legacy in shaping the artistic and cultural heritage of the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com