Jian Kiln Site

Jian Kiln Site

The Jian Kiln Site is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Jian Kiln Site is located in Shuiji Town, Jianyang City, Fujian Province, and was a renowned kiln for producing black-glazed tea bowls in Fujian during the Song Dynasty.

The kiln sites are spread across areas such as Luhuaping, Niupilun, Daluhoushan, and Yingchangqian, with relics distributed over an area of about 120,000 square meters. The Jian Kiln produced a variety of ceramics, including celadon-glazed and black-glazed wares, though the latter were the main focus. Among the black-glazed wares, rabbit-hair cups were especially prominent, making them one of the finest tea-brewing utensils for the Song Dynasty tea competitions. In addition, there were also oil-drop, partridge-feather, and yaobian (transmutation) glazes—each representing the pinnacle of black-glazed ceramics from the Song period.

Jian Kiln black-glazed ware was once an imperial tribute, favored by the royal court, and also spread to countries and regions such as Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, where it was highly appreciated by local people. It holds an important place in the history of cultural exchange between China and other nations. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units