Painting in The Neolithic Period (5000BC - 1700BC)

Evidence of the beginnings of art form in China could be traced back to the Neolithic period, 5000 years B.C., in the cradle of the Huang River (Yellow River). People inhabiting this period directed their creative energies into producing finely crafted tools, objects and earthenware, rather than wall or cave paintings.

Archeologists unearthed the first known Chinese pottery of artistic interest, which had simple forms with painted designs using red or black pigments often representing animals or fish; occasionally, human faces were also shown. The evidence indicated that the people living in that era had been painting well before recorded Chinese history.

In addition, Neolithic people used Jade to make bracelets, rings, discs and other decorative objects. The patterns and motifs engraved in the jade objects would endure the test of time as artists and artisans would continue to use these motifs to this day.