Arcadian Beauty Regina Krahl In the Song dynasty (960-1279), probably more than in any other period of China’s history, culture and education were considered the most important prerequisites of the elite and valued higher than office and rank. Advancement...

Jar with crackled glaze, China, Guan kilns, Zhejiang, Southern Song dynasty ( 1200–1300). Stoneware, with crackled glaze. Height: 10.0 cm, Diameter: 12.0 cm. Museum no. C.25-1935. Purchased with the assistance of The Art Fund, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir...

Bowl. Stoneware with crackled glaze known as 'gold thread and iron wire'. Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Guan kilns, south China. Height: 16.3 cm, Diameter: 17.8 cm. 717-1883. © V&A Images. To create the crackled effect the potter manipulated the glaze formula...