The art of ceramics flourished in the Sung dynasty, as various kilns across China strived to show off their best in terms of forms, glazes, decorative techniques, and methods of production. According to the National Palace Museum, Taipei: “The ceramics industry of the Sung dynasty (960-1279) pursued advances in kiln technology. Craftsmen searched far and wide for fine, new clays and exotic glaze colors, always looking for innovative ways of creating their wares. The kiln facilities, molding techniques, and spectrum of glaze colors grew increasingly versatile. The fiery spirit and determination exhibited by potters back then even rival the thirst for experimentation found among modern-day artists.

The Chun ware collection of the National Palace Museum includes utilitarian wares, such as vessels, bowls, plates, and incense burners, as well as planters, pot stands and a tsun vase. The above works can be identified as pieces that were fired in the Chin (1115-1234) or Yuan (1271-1368) dynasty according to the observation of Chun ware excavated from ware cellars, kiln sites and dated tombs. Documents from the Ming (1368-1644) and Ch'ing (1644-1911) dynasties refer to Yu County as the origin of Chun ware production. The discovery of most of these cellars and kilns containing Chun ware in Henan Province supports this assertion. In order to deliver a more effective viewing experience for the audience, a map of cellar and kiln sites has been prepared. Shards of Chun ware that have been recovered in Lin-ju, Pao-feng, Ho-pi, Yeh-chu-kou, and Liu-chia-men in Henan Province have been put on display. Through observing the shards, and comparing the colors of the glazes, viewers will be able to distinguish the difference between the glaze colors from different places and thus appreciate the diversity and beauty of Chun ware.