Characterization of ceramic from the Early Bronze Age Xinzhai site, Henan Province, China, by using a multi-analytical approach

•The preliminary examination of ceramic samples from the Xinzhai site.•Quite different from other research on ancient Chinese ceramics on the methodological side.•The results provide new insights into Xinzhai’s ceramic manufacturing technology.•Show some differences in raw material selection between different wares.•The ceramic firing temperature was determined.