Xiafutiao Song Dynasty Kiln Site

Xiafutiao Song Dynasty Kiln Site

The Xiafutiao Song Dynasty Kiln Site is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Anhui Province.

The Xiafutiao Song Dynasty Kiln Site is located on Yaobao Mountain in Wawuyuan, Xiafutiao Town, on the western bank of the Pihe River.

Observations of the stratified cross-section of the kiln site show no change in the shape of artifacts between the upper and lower layers, indicating that they were continuously fired and accumulated during the same period. It is inferred that this kiln was in operation for a relatively short time. The kiln site is situated on the southern side of Yaobao Mountain, covering an area of approximately 5,400 square meters, with waste layers from the kiln—such as pottery shards, fired earth, and ash stains—scattered all over the hillside. The kilns are of the "dragon kiln" type commonly seen in southern China, built vertically along the mountainside. Most of the kiln chambers have been damaged, with only one well-preserved kiln passage discovered, approximately 28 meters in length, where black-glazed pottery fragments are exposed. The collected samples share the same patterns and consistent stylistic features of the era. The artifacts are mostly plain and undecorated, with only a few handles bearing the molded characters "大吉" (Great Fortune). The exterior of the artifacts is rustic and bold, with a distinctive style. The black glaze has a glossy brown sheen, but due to the limited technical skill at the time, many pieces are deformed or have uneven glaze coverage. Among the collected artifacts, bottles and bowls account for the majority, making up over 80% of the total production, likely produced to meet the demand for the Northern Song Dynasty’s “tea competitions.” The bottle designs are similar to the "Han Bottle" style, and products from this kiln have been frequently found in tombs in Lu’an and Huoshan. After authentication by ancient pottery experts from the Provincial Institute of Archaeology, the site was confirmed to be a Song Dynasty kiln—the first of its kind discovered in the province.

Xiafutiao Town: Xiafutiao Town is located in the northern part of Huoshan County, 12 kilometers from the county seat and bordering Yu’an District of Lu’an City, often referred to as the “Northern Gateway of Huoshan.” The town administers 17 villages and 182 villager groups, with a population of 21,000 and a total area of 70.2 square kilometers. It includes two small townships, Xiafutiao and Sanjianpu, and boasts prominent geographical advantages, relatively flat terrain, and a pleasant ecological environment.

Xiafutiao Town possesses abundant natural resources such as stone, river sand, fluorite, and bamboo groves. Planting bases for chestnuts, jujubes, arrowroot, and kiwifruit are taking shape, and there is an annual output of high-quality rice, fresh lotus roots, white geese, and more... More detailed information about Xiafutiao Town++