This exhibition reveals the broad range of aesthetics that
appealed to Chinese imperial patrons of Chinese ceramics during
a period that spans more than six hundred years, from the Song
(960–1279) through the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). Selected works
have been grouped to show how color and form in imperial
ceramics can provide clues to their function. A final section
explores some of the meanings represented by the decorative
motifs found on imperial ceramics. Imperial sponsorship for the
arts, interest in collecting, and antiquarianism reached new
levels during the Song period. Song-dynasty emperors had
ceramics specially made for imperial use, and diverse kilns
presented examples of their best works as tribute to the
Northern Song (960–1126) and Southern Song (1127–1279) courts.
The Song emperors appreciated works characterized by refined
elegance and decoration and sensuous glazes. However, by the
beginning of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when an imperial
porcelain factory was first established at Jingdezh