On June 27, 2024, the "Iridescent Splendor: China Jian Kiln and Jian Ware Culture Exhibition", organized by the National Museum of China and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Fujian Province, opened to the public in Halls 6 and 7 of the National Museum of China, capturing the interest of visitors.
Jian Kiln, located in Jianyang District, Nanping City, Fujian Province, is renowned for its production of black-glazed porcelain. Established during the late Tang Dynasty and Five Dynasties period, it reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. Its primary products were bowls, referred to as "ou" or "zhan" in historical texts, collectively known as "Jian ware". With the popularity of tea culture during the Song Dynasty, Jian ware became a sought-after item, embraced by emperors and commoners alike. Known for its minimalist designs, Jian ware discarded excessive ornamentation. Its black glaze offered the perfect backdrop to showcase the white foam of tea, blending aesthetics with practicality. It swiftly gained popularity as the preferred vessel for tea-drinking. The influence of this trend led to the establishment of numerous kilns in the surrounding regions, imitating the production of Jian ware. This resulted in a vast cluster of kiln industries, exporting their products overseas. This development and the dissemination of ancient Chinese porcelain-making techniques played a pivotal role in promoting cultural exchange with foreign nations.
Jian ware represents a fusion of clay and fire in the realm of ceramic art. The kiln workers at Jian Kiln demonstrated exceptional control over temperature and perfected firing techniques. As the kiln reached a specific temperature, the cooling process would commence, allowing the glaze to flow naturally. This resulted in distinctive kiln transformation glazes, including rabbit hair glaze, oil drop glaze, partridge-spot glaze, and iridescent glaze, all considered rare varieties. According to Japanese literature published in the 16th century, it described them as follows: "Jian ware with iridescent glaze is considered the supreme divine product, worth ten thousand pieces of silk; oil drop glaze is the second precious treasure, worth five thousand pieces of silk; rabbit hair-glazed bowls are worth three thousand pieces of silk." The rabbit hair glaze resembles fine, elongated rabbit fur; the oil drop glaze resembles twinkling stars; the partridge-spot glaze features patterns reminiscent of a partridge bird, while the iridescent glaze evokes the vastness of the sun, moon, stars, and rivers in the universe. Each glaze conveys a sense of natural simplicity, reflecting the aesthetic taste of the Song Dynasty, characterized by tranquility seeking change.
The kiln fires have burned for a thousand years, and the craftsmanship remains unwavering. Contemporary inheritors of Jian ware have embraced and expanded upon traditional techniques. They have reevaluated and improved these techniques from a modern aesthetic standpoint, making full use of modern technology. Through continuous exploration and innovation, they have created a diverse range of glazes and vessel shapes, significantly enriching the artistic style and cultural significance of Jian kilns and Jian ware. This achievement represents the personalized and diversified development of contemporary Jian ware, breathing new life into these thousand-year-old porcelain kilns.
The exhibition "Iridescent Splendor: China Jian Kiln and Jian Ware Culture Exhibition", jointly organized by the National Museum of China and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Fujian Province, meticulously selected 135 ancient Jian kiln and Jian ware artifacts, alongside 298 contemporary Jian ware craftworks. The exhibition is divided into five sections: "Ancient Charm and Longevity", "Savoring the Essence of Art", "Flowing Stars and Galaxies", "Unique Artistry", and "Inheritance of the Flame". From the perspectives of archaeological discoveries, cultural significance, artistic allure, craft inheritance and innovation, as well as contemporary developments, the exhibition provides a comprehensive and systematic display of the historical culture, artistic value, and creative craftsmanship of Jian kilns and Jian ware.
"One ware, one world." We invite you to embark on an enlightening journey into the vast realm of Jian ware within the exhibition, and appreciate the splendid civilization forged by the fusion of clay and fire.
Translator: Feng Haoxuan
Reviewer: BAI Jing
