History

The History of Ceramics

The History of Ceramics brings together British art historian & curator Paul Greenhalgh and U.S. maker and academic Stephanie Rozene as they reveal the most compelling stories from this often-overlooked corner of art history. From the very first shards that shed light on early civilizations, to stories of power, political intrigue and espionage. Famous artists, extraordinary characters, pioneers and rebels from the world of pottery, architecture and design. Full of revelation, insight and practical expertise, The History of Ceramics offers an alternative history to our times.

Latest Episodes:

The First Pot Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

What was the first piece of pottery that humans ever made? What does it reveal about our earliest ancestors? In this episode Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene travel back to the earliest civilisations to find out how they created the very first ceramic objects and what that meant to the story of mankind.

Ceramics and artwork in this week’s episode include:

Venus of Dolní Věstonice, 29,000—25,000 BC

Vestonicka venuse edit by Petr Novák, Wikipedia

Source - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vestonicka_venuse_edit.jpg

For the full legal code, see the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 Generic license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/legalcode.en

Vestonicka venuse back by Petr Novák, Wikipedia

Source - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vestonicka_venuse_back.jpg

For the full legal code, see the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 Generic license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/legalcode.en

Fire-Flame Cooking Vessel, 2750—2500 BC

Deep Vessel with Decorative Handles, 3500—2500 BC

Met Museum

Bell Beaker, 2475–1800 BC

Bell Beaker Rijksmuseum of Oudheden by Gary Todd

Source - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bell_Beaker_Rijksmuseum_of_Oudheden.jpg

For the full legal code, see the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

To see images of the artworks in this episode go to heni.com/thehistoryofceramics or visit the HENI Talks YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@HENITalks

Hosts: Paul Greenhalgh & Stephanie Rozene

Additional Research: Catherine Ingram

Editor: Alessandro Ruocco

Executive Producer: Emma Cahusac

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: How Ceramics Changed History
00:02:13 Clay vs Ceramic
00:04:50 The Oldest Writing About Potters
00:06:58 The Venus of Dolni Vestonice: The First Ceramic Object
00:12:41 How Early Societies Discovered Ceramic Technology
00:15:32 The First Pots: From China to Japan
00:17:58 The Jomon People
00:19:24 Jomon Pots: Decoration, Function, and Meaning
00:25:01 Fire, Food, and Transformation
00:25:57 Nomadic Potters
00:32:00 Pottery as Archaeological Evidence
00:33:12 The Bell Beaker People of Britain
00:35:25 Ceramics as a Mark of Civilization
00:37:21 An Ancient Technology Still in Use Today

Introducing The History of Ceramics Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

The History of Ceramics brings together British art historian & curator Paul Greenhalgh and U.S. maker and academic Stephanie Rozene as they reveal the most compelling and often surprising stories from this often-overlooked corner of art history. Travelling around the world and through time, from the very first shards that shed light on early civilizations, to stories of power, political intrigue and espionage. Famous artists, extraordinary characters, pioneers and rebels from the world of pottery, architecture and design who have all played a role in elevating ceramics to the heart of the art world but also into the homes and lives enthusiasts right around the globe. Full of revelation, insight and practical expertise, The History of Ceramics offers an alternative history to our times.

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