The reporter learned from the Provincial Institute of Archaeology yesterday that archaeologists have uncovered a significant number of late Yaozhou Kiln porcelain pieces in newly discovered Ming and Qing dynasty tombs in Fuxian County. This discovery offers new insights into the evolution of the Yaozhou Kiln and raises intriguing questions about its decline over time.
Unlike the famous celadon wares once associated with the kiln, these late-period ceramics do not feature the signature glaze or refined craftsmanship seen in earlier examples. Instead, some pieces show rougher textures and simpler decorations. The smooth, glossy surfaces were often painted by hand rather than glazed, which is quite different from the traditional techniques of the kiln’s heyday.
According to Xing Fulai, head of the archaeological team from the Provincial Institute, more than 20 tombs from the Ming and Qing dynasties were found in Fuxian. Among the artifacts recovered were nearly 80 pieces of various types of porcelain, including blue-and-white, black-glazed, white-glazed, tea-colored, and even some white-glazed items. These included Yuhu spring bottles, jars, bowls, Gaozubei (a type of vessel), and other shapes. Based on comparisons with previous excavations at the Yaozhou Kiln site, Xing believes this batch was indeed produced by the kiln.
The Yaozhou Kiln originated during the Tang Dynasty, reached its peak in the Song Dynasty, and gradually declined through the Ming and Qing periods. During the Song era, it was one of the five major official kilns known for its distinctive blue glaze. However, the porcelain found in these tombs lacks the intricate artistry and high-quality glazing that characterized its golden age.
Some of the bowls had glaze applied unevenly, and although certain pieces featured painted patterns—such as grapes or fruit trees—the designs were simple and somewhat crude compared to the kiln's traditional standards. Most notably, no typical blue-glazed items were found among the collection, further highlighting the shift in production quality over time.
This discovery is particularly significant because late Yaozhou Kiln porcelain is rare. The unearthed pieces provide valuable evidence for understanding how the kiln evolved in its final stages and why it eventually declined. Scholars now face the challenge of uncovering the reasons behind this transformation.
Another mystery involves the identity of the tomb's owner. Some of the porcelain pieces had brush-written inscriptions on their bases, such as "Yang X" and "Ding Yan." While these names could indicate family ties, their exact meaning remains unclear. Xing suggests that "Yang X" might refer to a family name, possibly indicating that the tomb belonged to the Yang clan.
Additionally, some items bore the inscription "Fixed Delay," which could be a place name, a personal name, or something else entirely. Given that the region had military garrisons during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it's possible that this term refers to a military station or location. However, without further evidence, this remains speculative.
What also puzzles archaeologists is the method used to write these characters. The inscriptions were done by hand, not stamped or printed, and the fonts vary significantly. Moreover, the porcelain surfaces are unusually smooth, raising the question of how these markings were applied and preserved so well over time. Researchers are still working to unravel these mysteries, hoping to gain deeper insight into both the kiln’s history and the lives of those who once owned these objects.
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