Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum

Introduction

The Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum, established in 1992 and located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of China's illustrious dynastic history. Established to preserve and showcase the exemplary craftsmanship and artistry of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Guan ware ceramics, a hallmark of sophistication and elegance during the period.

Exhibitions

The museum's exhibitions frequently expand beyond the Southern Song Dynasty, offering visitors a glimpse into various historical epochs. One notable exhibition, Chang'an in Spring: Access the Flourishing Tang Dynasty along the Belt and Road, features 128 precious relics from the Tang Dynasty (618-907). This collection includes gold and silver vessels, jade and stone objects, bronze wares, and ceramics, illustrating the opulent lifestyle and cultural vibrancy of the Tang era.

In addition to its Tang Dynasty artifacts, the museum has been a venue for exhibitions highlighting intricate craftsmanship from other dynasties. For instance, the Yangzhou carvings exhibition in 2017 showcased over 78 sets of carved artifacts. These items, crafted from materials such as kernel, jade, and wood, reflect Yangzhou’s historical reputation for its diverse craft-carving traditions, including wood, bamboo, stone, and ivory.

The museum further enriches its collection with unique artifacts from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These include wooden tomb guardian beasts, jade cups with dragon carvings, and ivory penholders, each piece providing a tangible connection to the past. By hosting such a wide array of exhibits, the Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum continues to be an invaluable cultural institution, fostering an appreciation for China's artistic and historical legacy.

Tourism

Visitors can also enjoy an interactive pottery-making experience at the ancient-style ceramic workshop. As a hub for education, research, and leisure, the museum celebrates Chinese ceramic culture and highlights Hangzhou’s historical significance as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty.

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)

Address: No. 60 Nanfulu Road, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou

Tel: +86 571-86086023

Admission: Free