Jianshui Earthenware of Yunnan is the traditional folk crafts of Jianshui County in Yunnan province. It starts in the end of Yuan dynasty and the beginning of Ming dynasty. It is made by the colorful clay in the suburb of Jianshui. Through the process of painting, sculpture, filling and scraping, firing, polishing and others, the earthenware is with the dark purple background and white patterns, and sounds like bell. The black with white earthenware is the top grade.

The earthenware has many species, such as the cooking utensils, tea sets, flower pots and decorative items. The design is antique, elegant and unique. The chicken or pigeon steamed in the cooking utensils of Jianshui earthenware would taste particular delicious. In decoration, the artisans use the technique of carving, writing, sculpting, and filling. Thus on the earthenware, there are unrestrained calligraphy, Chinese painting or the ethnic patterns. People are impressed with the antique and elegant style of the earthenware. In production process, it uses the technique of polishing without glaze. After the firing, it needs no glazing. After the polishing, the earthenware could be very bright. Once knocked, it will sound like a bell.

The charming of the Jianshui earthenware also depends on its combination of art and technique. The cooperation of literati and the artisans make the Jianshui earthenware a piece of artwork with practical and aesthetic value.