Jiangnan Secret Color: Ancient Zhejiang Celadon Exhibition

To understand the development of celadon in China, one must understand the important role Zhejiang played in ancient celadon production and culture. Celadon production in Zhejiang can be traced back to the Xia and Shang dynasties, when the ancestors of Zhejiang successfully fired primitive celadon in the Dongtiao River basin, marking the beginning of Chinese porcelain production. From the Xia and Shang dynasties to the Eastern Han dynasty, Zhejiang's primitive celadon production went through a process of initial development to maturity, forming several large-scale production centers. The characteristics of Zhejiang celadon include a hard and delicate body and a bright and lustrous green glaze. For example, Yue kiln celadon is known for its thin body, even glaze, and bright and lustrous green color. It reached its peak in the Tang dynasty, becoming a tribute to the court and an important trade ceramic. In addition, Longquan celadon began in the Three Kingdoms and Jin dynasties and flourished in the Song and Yuan dynasties, known for its "jade-like green, mirror-like brightness, and chime-like sound." The historical background of Zhejiang celadon shows that its production and technology reached its peak in the Tang dynasty. Before the Tang dynasty, China's porcelain industry was mainly concentrated in Zhejiang. In the Tang and Song dynasties, Zhejiang celadon kilns, represented by Yue and Longquan kilns, were technologically advanced. Yue kiln celadon was closely related to the tea-drinking fashion of the Tang dynasty, and its porcelain quality and glaze color were loved by tea drinkers.