Based on archaeological discoveries, the earliest bowls appeared in the New Stone Age (between 4,000-10,000 years ago). They were similar in shape to today's bowls; they had a big rim, a deep bowl and a small bottom, but were made from clay. The earliest china bowls, which were used between the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100 BC) and the Warring States (475-221 BC) period, originated from the primitive celadon chinaware. After that period, there were few differences between the shapes of the bowls through successive dynasties. The quality of the bowls improved greatly, virtually coincidentally with social development. Moreover, the uses of bowls became more specific and diverse; for example, there were specific bowls for rice, soup, tea, and a bowl used as a percussion instrument.
