Variability in pottery firing technology: choice or technical development?

Abstract

It was generally considered that it is a technological advancement from bonfire firing to kiln firing. In fact, both of the firing methods possess certain advantages as well as disadvantages. To a specific community, firing technique is a technological choice rather than an outcome of technological development. The technological choices should correspond to the local environments, social contexts, and cultural traditions. Bonfire firing evidences are found in northern and southern China. However, issues of the specific bonfire firing technology as well as the relationship between bonfire firing and kiln firing in both regions need further studies.