Yaozhou and qingbai ceramics from the Song Dynasty

This book looks at two important Song Dynasty Chinese kilns and their products, and as an illustrated catalogue of a private collection. The collection reflects a personal taste in acquiring the best quality Yaozhou and qingbai wares, and in seeking out unusual forms and rare vessels.

The intention is to place the ceramics in their historical, geographical, economic and social contexts, using the latest research from both China and the West. In part 2, ‘Contrasts’, differences between Yaozhou and qingbai wares are investigated. These vary from aesthetic appearance and appeal, to contrasts in manufacture and markets. In part 3, ‘Uses’, the Yaozhou and qingbai wares are discussed together, in many cases, forms and functions were very similar, and are even similar to today’s forms and functions.

The design of the book by Irma Boom is unlike other conventional volumes on Chinese ceramics. The colours of the pages have been carefully matched to the tones found in Chinese paintings, murals and textiles of the period. Some may believe that the Song Dynasty was a period of muted and subdued colours. However, documentary and pictorial evidence tell us that the subtle hues of the Yaozhou and qingbai ceramics illustrated in this book were in fact only one component in a lively, vibrantly coloured Song world.

Photos by Gerrit Schreurs and Petra and Eric Hesmerg illustrate the beauty of the ceramics, while photos by Iwan Baan show similar forms and functions the 21st century.