Flowerpot

The Song Court, 960–1279
Imperial patronage of the ceramics industry reached new levels in the Song dynasty, when court-sponsored kilns were established and expanded. Through increased patronage and careful restrictions, the use of both official and private kilns blossomed. Seventy-five percent of the kilns established throughout Chinese history were built during the Song dynasty, a fact that testifies to the vast domestic and export markets for Song ceramics. Many Song ceramics feature simple designs, modest decoration, and single-color glazes. Different wares are usually categorized by place of manufacture and are recognized by distinctive glaze colors and effects., This vessel, designed for growing plants indoors, is an example from the Jun kilns in Henan province. During the Song dynasty, garden design reached a pinnacle, flower arranging became an important pastime, and floral designs appeared in almost every art form. Entire categories of ceramics were designed for the display of plants.