Asia
Ancient Asia, a vast and diverse region, was home to several influential civilizations that shaped the course of history. From the Indus Valley Civilization in South Asia, with its advanced urban planning, to the rich philosophical and cultural developments in China, such as Confucianism and Taoism, ancient Asia was a melting pot of innovation and tradition. In East Asia, the dynasties of China—like the Shang and Zhou—made significant contributions in writing, governance, and technology. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the ancient Mesopotamian and Persian empires fostered early advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and law. This broad expanse of land was interconnected by trade routes like the Silk Road, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas and goods across the continent.
Our focus here is on the art of Asia during ancient times, where pottery played a prominent role. We will start in South Asia with the Indus Valley Civilization, which was situated around the Indus River and incorporated parts of modern-day Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. It was known for urban planning as well as new techniques in crafts and metal work. The Maurya Empire in the Indus Valley saw the development of Buddhism and Hinduism, which would greatly influence art in the years to follow. Further east, Ancient China was ruled by a series of dynasties that used similar artistic methods and styles, but pioneered their own unique art. The Shang Dynasty excelled at bronze casting; the Zhou Dynasty made stunning jade carvings; the Qin Dynasty gave the world the Great Wall of China; and the Han Dynasty contributed with beautiful calligraphy and painting.