The invention and use of pottery marks an epoch-making milestone in the history of human social development. It arose from humanity's struggle with nature, driven by the need for self-protection, survival, development, and increased productivity. "The invention of pottery marks the beginning of the Neolithic Age or the Age of Barbarism. It became an indispensable tool in daily human life and continued to expand into the realm of implements."[1] Chinese pottery can be found in historical remains from the Neolithic period, including the Yangshao culture, Majiayao culture, Dawenkou culture, Longshan culture, and Qijia culture of the Yellow River basin; the Daxi culture, Qujialing culture, Hemudu culture, Majiabang culture, and Liangzhu culture of the Yangtze River basin; as well as other regional archaeological sites. Chinese pottery, with its long history, is an important component of ancient Chinese splendid culture and a great symbol and source of pride for the Chinese nation. Yixing is one of China's important ceramic centers. Archaeological excavations and research at ancient Yixing kiln sites—including Longtouqiao (Eastern Han to Jin), Xiaoyaodun (Jin to Song), Runjiao (mid-to-late Tang), Zhenwudun kiln complex (Tang to Song), Pengshan (Tang to Northern Song), Sanguantang (Tang), Yaotouwan (Five Dynasties to Song), Wadaoshan (Song), and Xiaowangcun kiln complex (Song to Ming)—demonstrate that ceramic production in the Yixing region initially focused primarily on celadon. By the Han dynasty, it had already achieved considerable scale and become a regional pottery-making center. Beginning in 2000, archaeologists made major breakthroughs in excavations at the Yannan site, Luotuodun site, and Xixi site in Yixing, "discovering large quantities of pottery characterized primarily by flat-bottomed waisted jars, distinct from other Neolithic cultures around Taihu Lake and its surroundings. This has been designated by the archaeological community as the Luotuodun culture."[2] Thus, pottery production in the Yixing region can be traced back as early as the Neolithic period. Zisha (purple sand) is a special mineral material produced in Yixing, described as "clay within clay, rock within rock." Through long-term exploration and accumulated experience, a unique processing technique has been developed. Zisha clay comes in diverse colors and possesses strong --- [1] Chinese Ceramic Society, ed., *History of Chinese Ceramics* (Beijing: Cultural Relics Publishing House, September 1982), p. 1. [2] Huang Xingnan, ed., *Collection of Ancient Ceramic Specimens from Yixing Kilns* (Yixing: Office of the Yixing Cultural Relics Management Committee, 2014), p. 92.