Final answer:
While Ta-p'en-k'eng pottery is not directly mentioned, the advancements in Chinese pottery and decoration techniques suggest a pattern of innovation and artistry that defines significant characteristics of historical Chinese pottery decorations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant characteristic of Ta-p'en-k'eng pottery decoration was its unique approach to design and aesthetics, highly regarded throughout Chinese culture and history. Although there is not a direct mention of Ta-p'en-k'eng pottery in the provided references, studying the evolution of Chinese pottery reveals a common thread of artisans seeking distinctive methods of decoration and firing techniques. For example, Ming dynasty porcelain from the ceramic centers at Jingdezhen was celebrated for its beautiful finishes and high-temperature firing methods, which improved durability and artistry of the pottery.
Similarly, in Neolithic cultures, the quality of pottery, such as the Longshan black pottery, was exceptional with their advanced use of updraft kilns and high-speed potters' wheels. This advancement is evident in their creation of thin, highly-polished pottery known as eggshell pottery. The mastery noted in these historical examples reflects a broader pattern of innovation and artistic expression in Chinese pottery, which may also have influenced the Ta-p'en-k'eng decorations.
An example of Ta-p'en-k'eng pottery decoration is the incised design on the cup in Figures 8.2 and 8.3, which depicts male and female figures dressed in court attire.