The Multiplicity of Simplicity: Monochrome Wares from the Song to the Yuan Dynasties

This is the catalogue of the exhibition, “The Multiplicity of Simplicity Monochrome wares from the Song to the Yuan dynasties”, held by the University Museum and Art Gallery, HKU. The Song dynasty (960-1279) saw a breakthrough in Chinese ceramics production. It was during this time that a number of famous kilns were established in different parts of China. The products from each kiln demonstrated a style of their own. Some of their innovative traditions were passed on to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Sponsored by the University of Hong Kong Museum Society and the Songde Tang, this exhibition features 118 pieces of ceramic wares from the University Museum collection as well as eight collections in Hong Kong. They are representative works produced by the well-known kilns in Hebei, Henan, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces. All show rich variations of white, blue, green and black glaze colours. Evidently, the monochromes made from the Song to the Yuan dynasties are the result of a highly sophisticated ceramic technology. Most of the exhibits are displayed to the public for the first time. They are fully illustrated in this exhibition catalogue.