The Treasures of Eight Thousand Years
Sung Dynasty 960－1279 C.E.
Timeline of Dynasties:
(1) Northern Sung 960－1126 C.E.
(2) Southern Sung 1127－1279 C.E.
Main selection:
Kuei ritual vessel with light bluish-green glaze
Porcelain, Kuan ware
Southern Sung Dynasty (1127-1279)
Introduction:
Marked by cultural expansion, the Sung dynasty is characterized by its blanketing simplicity. Scholar-officials in the Sung imperial court valued highly the classical rites of antiquity; and, artists upheld the prevailing sense of naturalism and function when creating decorative items and writing utensils.
At the same time, the spreading word of Confucianism, an idealistic philosophy characterized by a keen observation of nature, also played a large role in the Sung aesthetic. Artisans infused form and decorative motifs with organic elements; thus, revealing a celebration of the essence of life.
 Early Spring Kuo Hsi (fl. latter half of 11th century), Sung Dynasty |
 Pillow in the shape of a recumbent child with white glaze Porcelain, Ting ware Northern Sung Dynasty (11th-12th century) |
 Lotus-shaped warming bowl with greenish-blue glaze Northern Sung, Ju ware Northern Sung Dynasty (Late 11th century-early 12th century) |
 Bird on an Apple Branch Anonymous, Sung Dynasty (960-1350) |