Ceramics are materials permanently changed when heated between 660-1470°F. All clay is ceramic, but glazes and industrial ceramics include silica carbide
Geometric Period marked end of Dark Ages with ceramic painting. Kraters decorated male graves, amphorae female graves. Vases featured 'horror vacui' with intricate patterns. Figures painted black against lighter background
Ancient Greek vase paintings date from seventh millennium BC. Clay was the most common artifact excavated by archaeologists. Vases served various purposes including storage, cooking, and decoration
Japanese pottery dates back to Neolithic period, with Jōmon period (10,500-300 BC). Anagama kilns introduced from Korea in 3rd-4th centuries AD. Chinese influence began in 8th century, leading to three-color glaze technique. Porcelain production began in 1592 with Korean imports
Museum displays 34,000 historic porcelains and 2,000 porcelain objects. World's only museum mapping Meissen porcelain evolution from 1710. Permanent exhibition features 2,000 items about Meissen porcelain history. Changing special exhibitions reveal hidden gems
Ottoman dynasty established in 1299 by Osman, expanding westward from Byzantine Empire. Timur's invasion in 1402 divided Ottoman territory among Bayezid's sons. Mehmed I restored Ottoman unity in 1413, Murad II consolidated power in 1421