A series of color-painted dancing figurines [Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Fine Art Academy] 

An exhibition called "Pottery Memories" was recently held in the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy, displaying more than 30 copies of pottery sculptures from the Neolithic age till the Song Dynasty.

The Beijing Fine Art Academy, established in May 1957, was China's first and once largest professional art academy. As a cultural-exchange platform, the six-floor gallery has a collection of more than 4,000 Chinese paintings of ancient and contemporary Chinese artists. It also hosts fine arts events and lectures throughout the year.

The pottery collection emphasises the great influence of pottery on Chinese culture. Wu Hongliang, curator of the Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy, says the exhibition is part of the "100 Olympic Sculpture" Project.

"During the Olympics, we held an international sculpture and public art event entitled '100 Olympic Sculptures', which brought together pieces from both home and abroad. These works represent the general aspect of modern sculpture in the world. As the project came to an end, we wanted to reflect ancient attitudes towards sculpture. Since pottery in China was the earliest art form using fire and soil, it can reflect artistic attitudes."

Pottery production has a long history. Since the skills of preparing clay, glazing, and firing are often passed from generation to generation, each area has developed its own individual style. And beginning with the Han Dynasty, and into the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, large quantities of pottery were exported from China to other parts of the world.

In the current exhibition, visitors have the chance to see various pottery sculptures such as a white glazed string-tied cockscomb pottery, white glazed pottery with brown paint, and red pottery warrior figurines. There is also a series of horse pottery made in the Han dynasty.

Among the collection, the most unusual pieces are 3 figurines from Sichuan, made in Han dynasty. Wu Hongliang introduces them to us:

"This exhibition mainly gathers works from the Han dynasty. Although the quantity is limited, the quality is high. The 3 pottery figurines playing drums and singing are the liveliest and best representatives of the exhibition. They are also the highlights of the show."

Zeng Chenggang, president of the China Sculpture Institute, speaks highly of the exhibition.

"Han dynasty art plays an important role in Chinese history. These pottery sculptures are very imaginative. Ancient ways of thought and creation inspire our modern artists."

Zhang Aimin is a visitor. He tells us how one piece impresses him the most.

"I don't know what this pattern means. You see, there is a circle and four points. It's hard for you to guess what the artist thought, but you can feel their heart was simplistic in nature. The pattern looks meticulous, but at the same time, free."