Jun ware

Jun ware (Chinese: 鈞窯; pinyin: Jūn yáo) is a type of Chinese pottery, one of the Five Great Kilns of the Song dynasty (960–1279). It is characterized by its thick, opaque glaze, which often displays a range of colors, primarily blues and purples, sometimes with splashes of crimson. These colors are achieved through liquid-liquid phase separation in the glaze during firing, a process affected by temperature, cooling rates, and the composition of the glaze itself, including the addition of copper.

The kilns producing Jun ware were located in present-day Yuzhou, Henan province. Production peaked during the late Northern Song and Jin dynasties (1115–1234). Jun wares were highly valued by the imperial court and were used for both practical and decorative purposes. Larger pieces, such as flowerpots and basins, were often made specifically for the court.

Jun ware is distinguished from other Song dynasty wares by its heavier build and the distinctive yao bian (窯變, kiln transmutation) effects in its glaze. The complex and unpredictable nature of the firing process meant that no two pieces were ever exactly alike, contributing to their rarity and desirability.

While production diminished after the Yuan dynasty, Jun ware continues to be produced in Yuzhou today, drawing inspiration from its historical legacy. However, antique Jun ware from the Song dynasty remains highly sought after by collectors worldwide. The term "Jun ware" can also be applied more broadly to later imitations and reproductions of the style, although these are generally less valuable than authentic pieces from the Song and Jin periods.