Asian History and Culture
Asia is the birthplace of ancient and complex civilizations. Libraries
full of well researched books attempt to bring an understanding to Western minds.
The information on this page is at best only meant to tempt you to search deeper.
Go to: Dragon, Chinese History,
Chinese Zodiac or Lunar
New Year Animal Signs, Textiles,
Asian Culture,
Feng Shui,
Auspicious Decorative Symbols,
Asian Home Decorating,
Kilims and Flat Weave Reversible
Rugs, Ikat, Sake,
Foo Dogs
Animal signs are based on the Chinese Lunar New Year. To find your
sign, just add 12 to your year of birth until you reach one of those listed. If
you were born before the Chinese Lunar New Year, you'll need to subtract one year.
Lunar New Year start dates and animal signs: 2016-8-Feb, Monday, Monkey; 2017-28-Jan,
Saturday, Rooster; 2018-16-Feb, Friday, Dog; 2019-5-Feb, Tuesday, Pig; 2020-25-Jan,
Saturday, Rat; 2021-12-Feb, Friday, Ox; 2022-1-Feb, Tuesday, Tiger; 2023-22-Jan,
Sunday, Rabbit; 2024-10-Feb, Saturday, Dragon; 2025-29-Jan, Wednesday, Snake; 2026-17-Feb,
Tuesday, Horse; 2027-6-Feb, Saturday, Goat, etc.
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Year of the Rabbit |
Toulouse Rabbit Figurine |
Resting Rabbit Figurine |
| 2023 is the year of the rabbit. We are
celebrating with this hand-carved rabbit featuring a beautiful flower
design. Adorned with 512 sapphire-colored stones. Rabbit is made of
pewter and Swarovski® crystals. Approx. 3.5"L |
Lalique celebrates 2023, the year of the rabbit
in Chinese astrology through a new Rabbit sculpture in different colors.
The Resting Rabbit sculpture is also introduced for this occasion. The
Rabbit is described as elegant, gentle, and patient. Handcrafted
figurine made of crystal. Approx. 2.76"L x 2.4"W x 5"H |
Lalique celebrates 2023, the year of the rabbit
in Chinese astrology through a new Rabbit sculpture in different colors.
The Resting Rabbit sculpture is also introduced for this occasion. The
Rabbit is described as elegant, gentle, and patient. Handcrafted
figurine made of crystal. Approx. 2.60"L x 1.5"W x 2"H |
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2023 Zodiac Rabbit Decorative Accent, Crystal |
Baccarat Minimals Chinese New Year 2023 Rabbit Figurine |
Lalique Sitting Tiger Small, Clear |
| Decorative crystal rabbit inspired by the fourth
animal of the zodiac cycle Characteristics of the rabbit are calm,
elegant, loving, and patient. Designed by Allison Hawkes. Approx. 2.4"L
x 4.0"W x 4.7”T |
The Minimals family is growing with the arrival
of a little rabbit with ears painted in fine gold. An ideal gift to
celebrate Chinese New Year 2023! Handcrafted of crystal. Approx. 3.1"W x
2"D x 3.5"T |
Chinese astrology is founded on astronomical, religious
and calendar notions. Its 12 symbolic animals have been progressively adopted
by many countries culture. The Tiger is the third animal in the Chinese
calendar. He is described as courageous, impulsive and solitary. This animal,
both proud and haughty, has the power and grace of the great felines. Symbol
of strength and virility, the Sitting Tiger in clear crystal, tamed by the
glass masters, is now part of Lalique vast animal kingdom. |
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Large Sitting Tiger - Clear & Black Enamel |
Small Sitting Tiger - Gold Luster |
Limited Edition Small Sitting Tiger, Pink |
| The tiger is described as brave,
impulsive, solitary, proud, and haughty. Imposing and majestic, it has
the power and grace of the great felines. Tiger figurine handcrafted of
crystal. Approx. 11.42"L x 4.7"W x 9.5"T |
The tiger is described as brave, impulsive, solitary,
proud, and haughty. Imposing and majestic, it has the power and grace of
the great felines |
The tiger is described as brave, impulsive, solitary,
proud, and haughty. Imposing and majestic, it has the power and grace of
the great felines |
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Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
| Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
 
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Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
| Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
 
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Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
Michael Aram Chinese Zodiac Box |
| Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
Dimensions: 1.75"H x 4.5" diameter. Celebrate the
Chinese New Year with a marble keepsake box from Michael Aram's series of
handcrafted Chinese Zodiac Boxes. Sold separately, each box is topped with
a brass lid hand-sculpted to represent an animal from the Chinese Zodiac.
Find your sign and store precious treasures inside or give one as a gift.
Marble, antique gold-tone brass |
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Chinese Zodiac Pig Large Bowl |
Chinese Zodiac Bowl |
| Handcrafted bowl with Chinese Zodiac Pig design.
Made of dolomite. Holds 12 ounces. 6.5"Dia. x 2"T. Dishwasher safe. |
Celebrate the year of the Rat with our Chinese Zodiac
Rat Bowl. Those born on the year of the rat tend to be charming, creative,
smart, successful and popular. Rats are curious, thoughtful and like tidiness,
but can also be stubborn and lack courage. Were you born on the year of
the Rat? Years include 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008,
and 2020. At Coton Colors, we create stylish and practical products to answer
your every gifting, serving, and entertaining need. No matter the occasion,
these collectable designs make it easy to celebrate every day. Made of ceramic.
Approx. 6.5"Dia. x 2"T. |
Chinese guardian lions, also known as foo dogs, are believed to
have strong mythic protective powers. They traditionally stood in front of Chinese
Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of
government officials. They are always created in pairs, usually a male and a female
with the male playing with a ball or orb and the female with a cub.
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"Foo Man Dogs" Giclée Wall Art Set |
| Handcrafted giclée on gallery wrapped canvas. Textured gel finish.
Canvas and wood. Silver float frame. Hanging hardware included, D-rings.
Two-piece set. Each, 19.5"W x 2"D x 31.5"T. |
- Confucianism concerns human relationships, or Man
- Buddhism teaches cycles of reincarnation and the heavens
of the afterlife, or Heaven
- Taoism is concerned with nature, or Earth
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40 oz Caesonia Sapphire Blue Buddha Candle |
40 oz Croesus Golden Buddha Candle |
40 oz Elizabeth II Buddha Candle |
| Three-wick candle is handmade of
glass, 24-karat gold, and wax. Comes in signature black box inside
white box with a branded ribbon. Approx. 6.5"Dia x 7"T. Fragrance
profile: woody/musk |
One-wick candle is handmade of
glass, 24-karat gold, and wax. Comes in signature black box inside
white box with a branded ribbon. Approx. 6.5"Dia x 7"T. Fragrance
profile: woody/musk |
Three-wick candle is handmade of
glass, 24-karat gold, and wax. Comes in signature black box inside
white box with a branded ribbon. Approx. 6.5"Dia x 7"T. Fragrance
profile: woody/musk |
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40 oz Buddha Scented Candle |
40 oz Grande Buddha Scented Candle |
40 oz Cleopatra Buddha Candle |
| Three-wick candle is handmade of a
ceramic exterior, essential oils, and wax. Approx. 6.5"Dia x 7"T.
Fragrance profile: spicy/warm |
Five-wick candle is handmade of
ceramic, essential oils, and wax. Approx. 12"Dia x 12"T. Fragrance
profile: woody/musk |
Three-wick candle is handmade of
glass, 24-karat gold, and wax. Comes in signature black box inside
white box with a branded ribbon. Approx. 6.5"Dia x 7"T. Fragrance
profile: woody/musk |
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Happy Buddha Figure |
Happy Buddha Jotter Pad |
Little Buddha |
| Amber crystal Buddha figure. 4"W x 2.5"T. Made in France. |
Keep our chic jotter pads on-hand to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Each jotter cover features an engraved motif and includes 50 hand-edged
sheets. 50 text weight 100% European cotton paper sheets. Engraved gold.
Straight edge gold. Approx. 5"W x 7"L. |
From the Lights of Asia Collection. Handcrafted sitting Buddha sculpture.
Clear full-lead crystal. Approximately 3.75"T. Made in France. |
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40 oz Supernova Buddha Candle |
| Three-wick candle is handmade of
glass, 24-karat gold, and wax. Comes in signature black box inside
white box with a branded ribbon. Approx. 6.5"Dia x 7"T. Fragrance
profile: floral/fruity |
Auspicious symbols and homonyms were often incorporated
in the decorative motifs of glazed porcelain. These pieces were often given as gifts
for birthday or New Year's celebrations.
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Dragon Blue Square Planter with Stand |
Small Double Fish Sculpture |
Faunacrystopolis Cat Maneki Neko by Jaime Hayon |
| The classic dragon pattern is depicted on the square
shaped planter. The vivid blue and white porcelain planter includes a black
wooden stand. The planter is scaled for instant decorating with a single
topiary or seasonal blooming plant. We like to use them on the mantle in
pairs or on hallway plant stands. The planters make a classic welcome accessory
to the room. Handcrafted porcelain planter. Sits on base made of wood composite.
Approx. 9"Sq. x 13"T. |
As a symbol of prosperity and
perseverance, the Koi fish has inspired artists for many centuries.
Originally designed by Marc Lalique in 1953, the Double Fish Sculpture
depicts two carps gushing from water in a movement evoking infinity.
This model is now available in a small size. The satin-finished crystal,
emblematic of Lalique, highlights the finely carved scales. Handcrafted
lead crystal sculpture. 4"L x 2"W x 4"T. |
A traditional Japanese talisman, Maneki-Neko is the
"cat who invites" and brings fortune. Revisited by Jaime Hayon, the little
feline is adorned with gold and original patterns. Handcrafted of lead crystal.
Approx. 2.13"L x 2.2"W x 4"T. |
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Chinese Zodiac Dragon Box |
20 oz Malus Apple Scented Candle |
| As part of a growing series of
lidded boxes representing animals from the Chinese zodiac, this piece
embodies the energy and charisma of those born during the year of
the dragon. With a fierce heart, each piece illustrates the fearlessness
of the dragon.“I love to design pieces that carry meaning and which can
be given for special occasions across different cultures.
The spontaneous quality of the sculpt reflects the energy of
each animal.” -m. Box is crafted of golden metal and marble. Approx.
4.5"Dia x 1.8"T |
One-wick candle is handmade with a
ceramic exterior, essential oils, and wax. Approx. 5.5"Dia. Fragrance
profile: floral/fruity |
- Peach-longevity or immortality
- Bats-good fortune especially red which wards off demons
- Five bats (wu fu)-5 happinesses: longevity,
wealth, health, virtue, natural death
- Dragon with 5 claws-emperor; 3 or 4 claws were used as court
gifts to attendants or foreign dignitaries
- Phoenix-empress
- Pine, Plum, Bamboo (Three Friends of Winter)-longevity, perseverance,
integrity
- Paired quails-peace and prosperity
- Pomegranate-wish for children
- Apple (ping) homonym for peace
- Koi are symbols of courage, grace and perseverance according
to a 3rd century Chinese book. Koi were introduced to Japan from China in the
1800's.
| Period |
Dates |
Characteristics |
Furniture |
Materials |
| Qing (ching) |
1644-1911 |
elegant lines and craftsmanship |
horseshoe and square-back chairs, flat couch beds, recessed-leg tables
with horse's -hoof feet |
no nails or glue, walnut, cypress, elm, pine, lacquer tinted with iron,
oxblood or red cinnabar powder for black, maroon and red hues |
| Ming |
1386-1644 |
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focus on grain of rare imported hardwoods like zitan and huanghuali |
| Song |
960-1279 |
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Feng Shui
Makeover – With Color and Style
If you are interested in
using the principles of Feng Shui to change your life, it may be time for a home
makeover. Feng Shui is the Chinese art of placement and using tools of the Feng
Shui trade can change how your home feels. In Feng Shui, the thought is flow of
energy will affect the way you feel in a space. We are all made up of the same stuff
energetically, and since it is all around, it will affect us. Often energy is moving
too quickly or it is stuck and you may feel drained or stuck in the mud if chi is
out of balance in a space. Balance and harmony is what good Feng Shui is all about
so how do you go about achieving just the right energetic mix for your home?
When decorating your home
with a Feng Shui eye, it takes part aesthetic taste and part common sense. Furniture
should be good quality and the edges are best if rounded. If you think about a lot
of points and sharp angles pointing at you all day that does not feel very good
does it. Your furnishings do not have to appear as if you just came home from a
trip to Hong Kong. However, having a few pieces of nice
Asian furniture in the home is a very nice touch.
Other good interior decorating pieces include
temple or ginger jars. Art and accessories might include
symbols such as the goldfish or peony blossom, as these call in wealth and luck.
A great choice for additional softness and the use of the wood element include bamboo.
Soft upholstery on sofas, chairs, pillows and more balance out sharp edges from
wood. Painting a wall is an easy, inexpensive makeover for a room. Paint affirmations
on the wall before a final coat with a new color. The “intention” of the affirmation
will always be in the room supporting your goals. You do not have to see Feng Shui
adjustments in order for them to work. Trust that they are serving you and forget
them or make them a beautiful statement for the world to notice. It does not matter;
Feng Shui works through intention, no matter what.
Take a cue from the outdoors
when deciding on your interior design theme. What colors of flowers are in your
backyard? A nice balance is created if the indoor interior colors are reflected
back when you look out the window. If you have mostly yellow daffodils, think about
featuring yellows inside your home too. If pink roses and peonies is more your taste,
these are very feminine flowers and the interior of the home is well served if it
reflects these colors. Picture one of the scenarios in your mind’s eye and see if
that “feels” good when you visually walk into the entrance of your home. Speaking
of the entrance, a front door and entry area is very important in Feng Shui. Metaphorically
speaking, all of the opportunity presented to you and your family comes from the
Universe and enters your space through the front door. It is common sense to have
round soft shapes in the entry as well so the opportunity feels welcome to enter.
Round rugs or rugs with round designs promote a well-balanced
entry as the energy is flowing at a good pace. I like using scent at the entrance
too. Natural essential oils hold energy and scientifically promote either relaxation
or rejuvenation. Choose from the many essential oils on the market and blend a unique
scent for you and your guests to enjoy. Have a diffuser going at the front door
and welcome all who enter (including opportunity) with a signature fragrance.
If you like using Feng
Shui in your life, try wearing good Feng Shui too. A red embroidered lotus jacket
provides a graceful silhouette as well as some energy for your spirit. Jewelry and
colors are very supportive to the body and spirit as a whole. For enhancing partnership,
wear pink. For better health, wear yellow. For more money, wear shades of purples.
For better career opportunities, wear black. If you love the look and feel of genuine
gemstone, that is even better. Real stones hold an energetic vibration that supports
the energy centers of the body. Fiery carnelian worn around the neck promotes fame
and a good reputation. Any type of jade jewelry is supportive and lucky to wear.
Metaphorical symbols are important in Feng Shui. A turtle bracelet signifies prosperity
and long life. A lucky coin bracelet is a great source of good fortune and luck.
Feng Shui will meet you
where you are in this journey of life and lovingly support you along the way. Try
bringing a little bit of Asia into your space, change things up with new colors
that reflect the outdoors, or bring in more softness around you. Just shake things
up and makeover your space to whatever suits you. Let Feng Shui support you towards
a happier healthier life.
- Batiks are made using a wax-resistant dye technique developed
in Java. The fabric is painted with melted wax and dipped in dye. The waxed
areas resist the dye so that when the wax is removed with heat the design is
revealed. The resulting fabric has a casual, Eastern feel that works well with
bamboo and rattan furniture.
- Brocade: fabric with a raised pattern usually woven into
silk. Probably first developed in China. Persian (Iranian) traditional brocades
are made with gold and silver threads. Textiles were originally hand embroidered
and the province of royalty reaching peak popularity during the 16th and 17th
centuries. They are now usually machine embroidered.
- Chintz: Cotton fabric originating in India
in the 1600's. Although the word comes from Hindi "chint" meaning spotted, it
usually now has a floral design and glazed.
- Damask: Woven fabric usually with a matte pattern on shiny
background created by using the same color in different weaves. The name comes
from Damascus, Syria, where the fabric originates.
- Folk textiles: indigo and white fabrics made in preindustrial
Japan for the general population who were prohibited from using the vibrant
colors of the upper classes.
- Ikat (ee-kaht) is an ancient fabric usually
associate with sarongs worn by Balinese royalty. Patterns of flowers, birds,
stripes, etc., are produced by weaving tie-dyed silk or cotton threads. This
technique is believed to have been separately developed by Japan, Argentina
and India.
- Muslin: Cotton fabric originally made in Mosul, Iraq. It
is lightweight and is often used for slipcovers.
- Paisley: Fabric with colorful, swirling teardrop
designs first made in northern India and based on the tree of life design. The
name comes from Scotland where the designs were used to make paisleys, or shawls.
Dating back to the 1700's, Kashmiri weavers used fine cashmere from Himalayan
mountain goats to create shawls with the swirly paisley patterns. They became
a fashion craze in Europe when Napoleon brought them back to France for his
wife, Empress Josephine in 1798. By the 1800's traders of the East India Company
took the shawls home to Scotland where weavers in Paisley hand-blocked the designs
and gave the pattern its name. In 1871 Scotland's Paisley Museum was founded.
In 1875 Arthur Lasenby Liberty opens his shop in London selling hand-printed
paisley cottons.
- Palampores: hand-painted panels with the tree of life motif
from India. The patterns are very large and usually seen in wall hangings, spreads
or bedspreads.
- Satin: woven fabric with a smooth, glossy side that reverses
to dull, usually in silk, developed in China.
- Taffeta: a luxurious, stiff fabric made by weaving yarn alternatively
over and under each warp yarn the entire length of the fabric.
- Indigo: According to expert Aboubakar Fofana, the blue hue
results from fermentation of bacteria. He feeds them dates and honey. Dried
leaves ferment in a vat for 9 months. Fabric is dipped, turns yellowish, then
turns blue when removed and exposed to air as the indigo oxidizes and becomes
colorfast. Some cultures believe it repels snakes and insects, some antiseptic
power.
Kilims and dhurries with their bold geometric designs
are back in the fashion spotlight. Kilims are flat-weave rugs (no soft pile) from
a wide area which sweeps from Morocco to Afghanistan. They are usually striped or
geometric. The Indian dhurrie is similar and made of cotton. Add a touch of updated
tradition anywhere. Capture the feeling of the open air markets of Marrakesh with
these amazing, superior quality hand-woven wool rugs. Reversible dhurrie construction
offers years of carefree, stylishwear. Many are thin enough to use on walls, tables
and chairs as well as a relaxed and inviting option for floors.
Ikat and Southeast Asia
Current style favorite Ikat is a Malay technique for printing woven
fabric by tie dying either or both yarns before weaving. Ikat decor with a difference.
Asia Pacific inspiration refreshes your room. Ikat (ee-kaht) is an
ancient fabric usually associate with sarongs worn by Balinese royalty. Patterns
of flowers, birds, stripes, etc., are produced by weaving tie-dyed silk or cotton
threads. This technique is believed to have been separately developed by Japan,
Argentina and India.
Sake is one of the fastest growing beverage categories
in the US. Sake literally means "alcoholic beverage." It's made from rice, but is
brewed like beer. The better the quality of the rice, the better the sake. Premium
sake is best served chilled. Light, clean sake with some citrus is usually paired
with sushi and shellfish, while earthy, richer sake goes with noodles, mushrooms
and meat.Perfect for sharing sake with friends, or a wonderful accompaniment to
a meal of sushi or teriyaki. Great as a gift or addition to your own kitchen. Made
in Japan.
Simple and sophisticated, filled tokkuri (sake flasks)
are often warmed by placing in a pan of hot water—the narrow neck helps retain heat.
In Japan, sake cups (ochoko) are traditionally kept full by dining companions rather
than poured for oneself.
Neolithic ca. 12000 - 2000 BC
XIA ca. 2000 BC - 1700 BC
Shang 1700 - 1027 BC
Western Zhou 1027-771 BC
Eastern Zhou
- Spring and Autumn period 770 - 476 BC
- Warring States period 475 - 221 BC
Early Imperial China
Qin 221 - 207 BC
Western Han Period 206 BC - 9 AD: Tombs contain objects from
civilizations along the Silk Road
Hsing (Wang Mang interregnum) 9 - 25 AD
Eastern Han 25 - 220 AD
Three Kingdoms
- Wei 220 - 265 AD
- Shu 221 - 263 AD
- Wu 229 - 280 AD
Western Jin 265 - 316 AD
Eastern Jin 317 -420 AD
Southern Dynasties
- Song 420 - 478 AD
- Qi 479 - 501 AD
- Liang 502 - 556
- Chen 557 - 588 AD
Northern Dynasties
- Northern Wie 386 - 533 AD
- Eastern Wei 534 - 549 AD
- Western Wei 535 - 557 AD
- Northern Qi 550 - 577 AD
- Northern Zhou 557 - 588 AD
Classical Imperial China
Sui 581 - 617 AD
T'ang 618 - 907 AD
Five Dynasties
- Later Liang 907 - 923 AD
- Later Tang 923 - 936 AD
- Later Jin 936 - 946 AD
- Later Han 947 950 AD
- Later Zhou 951 - 960 AD
Ten Kingdoms 907 - 979 AD
Song
- Northern Song 960 - 1125
- Southern Song 1127 - 1279
Liao 916 - 1125 AD
Western Xia 1038 - 1227
Jin 1115 - 1234
Later Imperial China
Yuan 1279 - 1368
Ming 1368 - 1644
Qing 1644 - 1911
- Yongzhen Period: Famille-Rose porcelain, enamel
- Qianlong Period
Chinese Republic
- Republic of China (Mainland) 1911 - 1949
- Republic of China (in Taiwan) 1949 -
- People's Republic of China 1949 -
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