On December 10th, the Wulin Museum of Zhejiang Province launched a “Transition · Transformation” – Huangyan Shabu Kiln Archaeological Achievements Exhibition, showcasing the latest archaeological achievements of Shabu Kiln and 146 related cultural relics in the museum’s collection. There are four chapters: “Kiln Fire Diary”, “Similarity Continuation”, and “Prosperous Scenery”.
Where is Shabu Kiln? The group of ancient kiln sites from the late Tang and Song dynasties in the district. The total area of the site is 70000 square meters, including 7 ancient kiln sites, namely Zhujialing, Fenghuangshan, Xiashantou, Jinjiaaotang, Yaotan, Waci Kiln, and Xiayu Kiln.
After archaeological investigation and excavation, it has been found that the strata are abundant, the kiln structure is clear, and a large number of porcelain and kiln furniture specimens have been unearthed. The firing level and decoration techniques are all of high quality. This presents the characteristics of transition and transformation, making it the most well preserved and clearly structured kiln ruins from the Song Dynasty in Zhejiang region that have been excavated so far.
In the mid Northern Song Dynasty, the Yue kiln gradually declined, and the market demand for long-term use of Yue kiln products remained vast and strong. At this moment, Shabu Kiln seized the opportunity to utilize the rich local porcelain clay and fuel resources, relying on convenient water transportation, and began to produce a large number of Yue kiln artifacts. The porcelain industry rapidly rose and became a major production center for Yue kiln products in Zhejiang during the mid to late Northern Song Dynasty.
In the Northern Song Dynasty, commerce flourished and popular customs were imitated.
Shabu Kiln is based on the demand for commodity porcelain production and sales, integrating the pattern of kiln industry technology from the north and south, catering to the aesthetics of the times, adopting the strengths of Ding Kiln, learning the techniques of Yaozhou, and seeking from multiple sources, presenting a fresh and vivid new appearance.
Shabu Kiln is particularly famous for its decorative patterns, with dragon, phoenix, parrot, and baby play patterns being the most typical.
Although drawn from the traditional patterns of the Yue kiln, it is unique and interesting. The knife technique is smooth, and the lines are rich in changes with nature, which is connected with the local customs and culture, forming a unique decorative style of the local area.
Shabu Kiln unearthed various types of pottery, including bowls, plates, pots, boxes, holding pots, cups, holders, stoves, and pillows, with appropriate scales, green colors, and beautiful images. It is a small local porcelain industry that flourished in the context of Song people’s life, and is thriving in business.
Transition · Transformation “- Exhibition of Archaeological Achievements of Shabu Kiln in Huangyan
Exhibition time: December 10th, 2022- February 7th, 2023
Exhibition location: Wulin Museum Area of Zhejiang Provincial Museum (No. 29 West Lake Cultural Plaza)
Reporter Yu Xiwen