Longshan black pottery is a type of ancient Chinese pottery that dates back more than 4,000 years. It was first discovered in 1982 in Longshan subdistrict, Zhangqiu district, Jinan and is now a national intangible cultural heritage item.

The unique climate and soil conditions of the Wuyuan River and Juye River areas in Longshan are what give the pottery its distinct characteristics. The black pottery pieces are as thin as eggshells and as hard as porcelain.

A Longshan black pottery artwork jar (the Chinese character "觯") was collected by the British Museum since 1996. It is now displayed in the 1B case in the No 33-exhibition area. It is made for drinking wine in ancient China and can be traced back to years spanning from 2600 BC to 2300 BC.

The Longshan black pottery jar is on display at the British Museum. [Photo/British Museum]

A Longshan black pottery work is displayed. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Longshan black pottery works are on display. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Liu Degong, an inheritor of the black pottery technique [Photo/dzwww.com]