Neolithic pottery from West Asia and China were studied by xeroradiography and optical microscopy. Fiber-tempered pottery from West Asia was made by sequential slab construction. About 30% by volume of fiber temper was usually added. Fiber temper strengthens the walls and decreases drying shrinkage. The manufacture of fiber-tempered, sequential slab constructed pottery remained consistent in west Asia from about 6400 B.C. to 3400 B.C., thus documenting a remarkably conservative technology. Four examples of Yangshao pottery were studied. Grit temper was added to the loess-derived, illitic clay in order to decrease drying shrinkage. The characteristics of grit tempered, illitic clay favored coiling and paddle and anvil techniques of formation. Raw material differences between China and west Asia also favored differences in kiln and firing technology, with high firing temperatures being used earlier in China. In sum, two distinct traditions, each adapted to the local ceramic resource base developed in the two regions between 6400 and 3000 B.C.