Celadon Meiping Vase with Carved Peony Design, Yaozhou ware, Song dynasty (960-1279). Height 48.4 cm, Diameter of mouth 7.5 cm, Diameter of base 11 cm; Weight: 4,860 g. © Shanghai Museum 

Located in present-day Huangbao Town, Tongchuan City, Shaanxi province, Yaozhou Kiln is one of the renowned ancient porcelain kilns in the history of Chinese ceramics. This vase is a rare masterpiece of Yaozhou wares. As the straight and curved lines are contrasted for shaping, and the diameter of the vase is lifted as much as possible to achieve a better proportion, the vase looks slim and slender, tall and shapely, which makes it a typical Meiping (meaning Prunus) vase of the Song dynasty. The vase is covered with patterns all over, among which the three sets of carved designs hold a dominant position, with the primary and secondary motifs clearly distinguishable in proper density and order. The incised floral decoration is sharp and vigorous with lively and smooth lines.