陶瓷中国 第5集 咏名窑御瓷 下 Chanting of Famous Kilns and Imperial Porcelains of Song Dynasty (II)

This summary details the history, archaeological discovery, and artistic significance of major Chinese ceramic kilns from the Song Dynasty, focusing on the Ru, Guan, and Ge kilns.

The Ru Kiln: The Imperial Standard

• Imperial Significance: Ru porcelain was the premier tribute ware for the Northern Song imperial court, valued for its "sky-blue" glaze and association with Taoist aesthetics of tranquility and nature.
• Archaeological Discovery: After centuries of searching, the Ru kiln site was identified at the Qingliang Temple in Baofeng, Henan. Excavations (particularly in 1987 and subsequent years) revealed 19 kilns and millions of shards, confirming that the site produced high-quality imperial wares alongside daily civilian pottery.
• Characteristics: Ru ware is noted for its moist, silk-like glaze, which historical records claim included agate powder. Its aesthetic is defined by sparse bubbles ("as sparse as morning stars") and a simple, elegant form, reflecting the refined tastes of Emperor Huizong.
• The "Guan Ru" Debate: While some refer to it as "Ru Guan Kiln," experts argue this is redundant, as the kiln served the imperial court for only a few decades before the Northern Song fell.

The Southern Song Guan (Official) Kiln

• Relocation and Establishment: Following the Jingkang Incident (1127 AD) and the fall of the Northern Song, craftsmen migrated south. The Southern Song government established new official kilns in Hangzhou, specifically at Jiaotanxia and Xiuneisi, to serve the imperial court in Lin'an.
• Technological Advancement: These kilns utilized "dragon kilns" and iron-rich purple clay. The resulting porcelain was characterized by a "thin body and thick glaze," often featuring "gathered foam and clustered pearls" (tiny bubbles in the glaze).
• Aesthetic Innovation: The signature crackle patterns—initially a manufacturing defect caused by mismatched expansion coefficients between the body and glaze—were purposefully refined into artistic "ice-crack" textures, sometimes enhanced by staining to create "golden threads and iron wires."

The Mystery of the Ge Kiln

• Historical Ambiguity: Ge kiln porcelain remains the most mysterious in Chinese history. While Ming Dynasty literature attributes its origin to two brothers (Zhang Sheng-yi and Zhang Sheng-er) in Longquan, archaeological evidence suggests these records may be based on hearsay or later elaborations.
• Identification Challenges: No definitive Ge kiln site has been discovered. Chemical analysis of handed-down Ge ware shows it differs from excavated Longquan black-bodied celadon, leading to theories that it may have originated from different regions or specialized workshops.
• Cultural Legacy: Despite the lack of a confirmed kiln site, Ge ware is highly prized for its "flawed beauty." Its distinctive crackle patterns and "iron feet" made it a favorite of later emperors, such as Qianlong, and it remains a subject of intense interest and high market value in the art world.

Summary of Artistic Evolution

• Aesthetic Shift: Song Dynasty ceramics moved away from the martial, vigorous styles of the Tang Dynasty toward a focus on antiquity, ritual, and subtle, natural beauty.
• Quality Distinction: The distinction between "official" and "folk" kilns was primarily one of quality control and resource allocation. Official kilns spared no expense, using superior materials and firing techniques to ensure uniformity and perfection, whereas folk kilns focused on mass production for the general population.