Jun Ware: A Splash of Color in the Song Dynasty
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Jun ware, produced in kilns in Henan province, is distinguished by its vibrant, opalescent glazes, which range in color from sky blue to lavender, crimson, and even deep purple. Unlike the more restrained celadons and monochromes of the Song Dynasty, Jun ware is known for its dramatic splashes of color and bold, expressive forms. The vibrant colour palette makes them stand out from the more muted forms of Song Dynasty pottery.  The creation of Jun ware involved meticulous glaze application and precise control of firing conditions. The vibrant colors were achieved through the use of copper and iron oxide, and the thickness of the glaze also contributed to the overall visual effect.  The forms of Jun ware pieces were often simple and robust, such as bowls, dishes, and vases, designed to showcase the beauty of the glaze. The overall form of the pieces was designed to make the glaze as visually striking as possible.  Jun glazes often exhibit a subtle mottling or streaking, and this natural variation adds a level of depth and visual complexity to these wares. No two pieces of Jun ware are exactly alike, as the firing process created unique results every time. Jun ware’s vibrant colors and expressive forms make it a highly valued and distinctive type of Song Dynasty ceramics, which demonstrates the diversity of ceramic production during this period. |
Tag : Jun ware, Song Dynasty pottery, Chinese colored glaze, opalescent pottery, vibrant glazes
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- Blackwares of the Song Dynasty: Jian and Beyond
- The Role of Kilns in Song Ceramic Production
Song Dynasty ceramics (960-1279) represent a golden age of Chinese pottery, marked by refined techniques, elegant forms, and a focus on monochrome glazes like celadon, showcasing subtle beauty and technical mastery.
While Song ceramics are often celebrated for their rare and exquisite pieces made for the imperial court, a wealth of utilitarian wares were also produced for everyday use. These pieces, while perhaps less elaborate than court ceramics, exhibit a refined sense of beauty and practicality, demonstrating the ubiquitous presence of ceramics in Song Dynasty life. These pieces are an important window into everyday life during this period.
Song Dynasty tea culture had a profound impact on ceramics, leading to the creation of specialized tea bowls like Jian ware with unique glazes and forms, reflecting the period’s emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and mindfulness.
Song Dynasty blackwares, including Jian and Jizhou, feature diverse and artistic dark glazes like "hare's fur," “oil spot,” and decorative techniques, showcasing the range and creativity of Song potters.
The technological advancements in kiln construction and firing techniques during the Song Dynasty were crucial to the high quality and wide variety of ceramic wares produced during the period. The use of specific kilns was essential to the production of the unique and desirable pieces that are a hallmark of the Song era.