Chinese ceramics have been a rich aspect of Chinese history since the Neolithic period (4000BCE). During the Tang Dynasty, many kilns were being established throughout China. The diversity of Chinese ceramics was highly influenced by regional and international culture such as the trend of tea drinking, calligraphy and literature. Through the analysis of the cargo found in the ninth century Belitung shipwreck, the versatility of Chinese ceramics will be further explored. The types of ceramics to be compared would be the Changsha wares and the green splashed white wares.
The distinctive designs from the different kilns can be attributed to the influence of local culture. Changsha bowls were painted in a very stylistic manner due to the thriving calligraphy scene in China. Particularly in the region of Changsha, kuang cao or ‘wild cursive’ was popular as calligrapher Huaisu, also known as the wild monk originated from Changsha.
In comparison, the visual language of Iran influenced other kilns. Green-splashed ware leaned towards a more organized and symmetrical design due to the influence of Islamic designs. The lozenge is incised onto the ceramics instead of painted on. Therefore, it shows the kilns were influenced by regional cultures as well.
This is a good start but, we need more information in the introduction. It also needs footnotes.
Need dates for Tang dynasty.
Perhaps you can introduce what was discovered in the shipwreck before you zero in on Changsha bowls and white ware?
Is this your thesis?
“Through the analysis of the cargo found in the ninth century Belitung shipwreck, the versatility of Chinese ceramics will be further explored.”
This is too broad and general. Your claim has to be specific to your comparison. What are the similarities and differences?
Your idea seems to be hidden in the two paragraphs below the introduction. Perhaps you could combine the following two sentences to create a thesis statement:
“The distinctive designs from the different kilns can be attributed to the influence of local culture.” “In comparison, the visual language of Iran influenced other kilns.”
Is this your plan? “The types of ceramics to be compared would be the Changsha wares and the green splashed white wares.”
It needs to be more specific too. What are you comparing? motifs? colors? shape? function? technique?