The kiln site of the Ge Kiln from the Song Dynasty remains undiscovered to this day, forming an intriguing historical mystery. Ge Kiln primarily produced decorative ceramics, often modeled after ancient bronze vessel shapes such as guan’er bottles (pierced-handle vases), chrysanthemum-petal plates, beast-ear censers, string-patterned vases, long-necked vases, standing-ear tripod censers, ding-style censers, five-foot washers, sunflower-mouth washers, and sunflower-mouth bowls.
The porcelain body of Ge ware is exceptionally dense and hard, appearing in deep purplish-gray, gray, or earthy yellow shades. The glaze colors are varied, including powder blue, verdant green, grayish-blue, and cream yellow. The glaze application is relatively thin, imparting a jade-like warmth and smoothness, with a subtle buttery luster on the surface. Characteristic crackles appear as larger black lines accompanied by smaller yellow lines, commonly known as “golden threads and iron wires.”
Ge Kiln ceramics were fired using both support and ring-supported methods. Surviving Ge ware typically features thick bodies with thin glazes. The body colors vary widely, including aloeswood, pale white, apricot yellow, dark gray, and black. The glaze lacks high reflectivity but possesses a jade-like moistness with a buttery sheen. The phenomenon of “purple mouth and iron foot” is rarely observed. When struck, the porcelain body of Ge ware does not produce a clear, metallic ring but rather a dull, almost fractured “thudding” sound.
Ge Kiln Square Washer
Song Dynasty
5.7 × 2.6 cm
Estimated Price: RMB 3,000,000–6,000,000
Hammer Price: RMB 3,300,000
This Ge Kiln square washer features a thick, lustrous, and moist glaze with evenly distributed crackling patterns. The body is dense and heavy, and the base is inscribed with the character “官” (official). Originally part of the collection of Li Hongzao, who served as a tutor to Emperor Tongzhi, the piece was later passed down to his son. It was eventually acquired by a private collector and has been kept out of public view since then.
