Significant Jun Kiln Ceramics from the Song and Yuan Dynasties

Despite its renowned status, much about Jun ware remains ambiguous and is a topic of ongoing debate among scholars. The term encompasses various types of pottery produced across multiple centuries and locations. The forms are predominantly simple, with the exception of official wares, and additional decoration is typically restricted to the glaze effects. Generally, "unofficial" wares are crafted using a wheel-throwing technique, while the official varieties are formed through molding. Typically, the foot of pottery from the later periods is left unglazed and exhibits a brown hue; the rims of bowls may also appear brown or greenish due to thinner glaze application. Notably, Song dynasty examples exhibit meticulous glazing techniques within the foot area. The shapes from the Song era are characterized by sharper lines and thinner profiles compared to the subsequent Jin and Yuan periods. In contrast, Jun ware features a notably thicker glaze, often not extending down to the foot of the piece. The dimensions and forms of Jun ware distinguish it from other pottery groups, as they tend to be larger and heavier, often exhibiting more intricate shapes. This complexity arises from the use of double (two-part) molds, reportedly originated by Jun ware potters. Many rims are characterized by irregularities, resembling floral patterns, and numerous pieces bear incisions at the bases, inscribed with the characters feng hua, referencing a building within the main Song palace in Kaifeng. Certain high-quality pieces appear to have undergone a two-stage firing process: an initial firing prior to glazing, followed by a subsequent firing at elevated temperatures post-glazing. Although Jun wares did not initially possess significant prestige during the Song and Yuan dynasties, they garnered considerable acclaim among collectors from the Ming dynasty onward. Today, authentic Jun ware remains highly sought after and commands substantial prices in the art market.  ppjrs

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