Step into the Zhaoqing Museum in Guangdong Province, and you’ll find yourself transported to a vibrant world of daily life from 1,500 to 2,200 years ago. A charming clay duck, a miniature house complete with a courtyard toilet, unadorned ceremonial ding vessels, and even a livestock pen—these meticulously preserved relics offer a vivid window into ancient China’s Han and Tang dynasties.
While porcelain replaced pottery for practicality during the Shang Dynasty, clay remained a cornerstone of everyday life. From durable bricks to intricate burial objects, pottery artifacts reveal social hierarchies, domestic routines, and even hints of humor. The duck figurine, with its whimsical charm, contrasts starkly with the simplicity of cooking utensils, while the miniature house underscores architectural ingenuity long before modern innovations.
Archaeologists emphasize that these relics are more than art—they are historical records etched in clay. As one curator noted, 'Each piece tells a story of how people lived, celebrated, and connected with their world.' For historians and global audiences alike, the exhibit bridges millennia, turning ancient whispers into tangible narratives.
