Yangmeiting Ancient Kiln Site

Yangmeiting Ancient Kiln Site

The Yangmeiting Ancient Kiln Site is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

The Yangmeiting Ancient Kiln Site in Hutian belongs to the Hutian kiln ceramic system. The white porcelain fired here mainly includes daily-use items such as bowls, plates, and teapots, characterized by high whiteness, elegant shapes, and some featuring delicate carvings. These pieces not only hold practical value but also aesthetic appeal.

It is recorded in ancient texts such as "Tao Ji," "Nan Yao Bi Ji," and "Jingdezhen Tao Lu." The kiln site is located at the foot of Jiushan Mountain in the suburbs of Jingdezhen City, in Hucun Village, Jingcheng Township, about five kilometers from the city center. Covering an area of approximately 400,000 square meters, it is the ancient ceramic kiln site in Jingdezhen with the longest firing history and the largest scale. Production began in the Five Dynasties period, continued through the Song and Yuan dynasties, and lasted until the middle Ming Dynasty during the Longqing and Wanli eras, spanning over 700 years.

During the Five Dynasties period, the Hutian Kiln produced both celadon and white porcelain, with vessels mostly in the form of wide-rimmed, flat-bottomed plates and bowls. The firing method involved using spur marks, leaving a circle of spur marks on the interior and base of the ware. The white porcelain was the most refined, with a hard body, pure glaze, brilliant shine, and whiteness reaching up to 70 degrees, earning it the title "imitation jade." The "Fuliang County Annals" states: "During the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty, a local potter named Tao Yu transported ceramics to the Central Plains, which were called 'imitation jade' and even presented as tribute to the imperial court, thus making Changnan Town famous throughout the land." This shows that Jingdezhen ceramics from the Five Dynasties already possessed nationwide allure.

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units