Potters in both north and south China perfected the skills needed to control and modulate ceramic glazes—in shades of white, green, blue, brown, and black—during the Song dynasty (960–1279). In some modes, the glaze complemented carved or incised decoration; in others, its purity of color became a focal point of its own. Two dozen Chinese ceramics from the Freer collection highlight these glazes and the skills of Song dynasty artisans.
Detail, Yaozhou ware vase; Vase; Northern Song dynasty, 11th-early 12th century; Stoneware with celadon glaze; Yaozhou ware; China, Shaanxi province, Tongguan county, Yaozhou kilns; Gift of Charles Lang Freer; Freer Gallery of Art F1919.90