Juntai Kiln, a series of famous historical kilns in China

Author: Zhao Qingyun / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-01-01
Features: The development of Chinese ceramics has a history of over 10,000 years, or even longer. The firing and use of ceramics have held a special significance in the formation of Chinese civilization. The profound cultural connotations and unique historical value of Chinese ceramics have been recognized by more and more people. In the process of exploring and seeking traces of ancient civilizations, a of research on Chinese ceramics has emerged, marked by the expansion of more research fields. Beyond the renewal of methods, the richness and authenticity of materials are key to advancing ceramic research. Currently, there are three types of ceramic information resources available to us: inherited artifacts, literary records, and unearthed objects or specimens. Traditional ceramic research relied on limited inherited artifacts. However, due to the vicissitudes of time, fewer than one percent of ancient vessels have survived, making it difficult to gain a comprehensive view of Chinese ceramics. Starting from the Song and Yuan dynasties, the content related to ceramics in various documents gradually increased, and specialized works on ceramics also appeared. In these documents, records of ancient ceramic varieties, characteristics, kiln sites, and firing techniques were documented, forming invaluable textual materials. However, it must be noted that due to the lack of substantial physical evidence, the descriptions are often vague, and the interpretations of later generations in citing and explaining the works of predecessors are inevitably speculative, leaving modern readers confused and unable to see the true picture. This book provides a comprehensive and systematic exposition of the creation and development of Jun ware, the formation of the Jun ware system, and its influence on various regions. It particularly offers a detailed analysis of the Jun Imperial Kiln, discussing its modeling characteristics, firing techniques, the era and nature of the Jun Imperial Kiln, and other aspects in a relatively scientific manner. Subsequently, it provides specific explanations on the modeling techniques, kiln changes, physicochemical characteristics, and identification and appreciation of Jun ceramics across different dynasties. The book is concise in language, scientifically grounded, rich in content, illustrated with images, and accessible to both the layman and the expert. It is an invaluable resource for collectors, appraisers, and enthusiasts of Jun ceramics.