Plate, Jun ware 1200 - 1400

This Jun ware plate, dating from 1200-1400, is a testament to the skill of Chinese potters. The plate, on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the iconic Jun ware glaze, characterized by its rich, iridescent blue-green base with splashes of purple. These vibrant colors were achieved through a complex firing process that allowed the copper oxide in the glaze to react with the kiln atmosphere. Jun ware, admired for its beauty and sophistication, was primarily used for ceremonial and domestic purposes in Song Dynasty China.