Until August 13, 2017, the Harvard Art Museums present an exclusive exhibition featuring a distinctive assortment of ceramics connected to China’s Forbidden City. Visitors can explore this captivating collection and enjoy gallery talks conducted in both English and Chinese during July and August:”Numbered Jun Ware: Ceramics of the Forbidden City”
Exhibition of Rare Numbered Jun Ware
Vietnamese ceramics Numbered Jun Ware Ceramics of the Forbidden City
The exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums this summer showcases a unique collection of Chinese ceramics known as “numbered Jun ware.” These ceramics have historical ties to Beijing’s Imperial Palace, also known as the “Forbidden City.” The term “numbered Jun ware” originates from the ancient region of Junzhou (now Yuzhou, Henan Province) and is distinguished by the presence of single Chinese numerals inscribed on the bases of the objects.
These numbered Jun wares are characterized by their distinctively shaped flowerpots and basins, which were likely made specifically for use in the Imperial Palace. They are considered extremely rare in most museum collections, with significant holdings primarily found at the Palace Museum in Beijing and the National Palace Museum in Taipei. This rarity lends support to the theory that these vessels might have been exclusively crafted for imperial use.
Melissa Moy, the Alan J. Dworsky Associate Curator of Chinese Art at the Harvard Art Museums and the curator of the exhibition, explains that the numbers inscribed on the bases were initially a mystery. However, it has been discovered that these numerals, ranging from one to ten, indicate the relative size of each object.
The significance of these numbers lies in their role in matching flowerpots with corresponding basins, which is essential for proper drainage when cultivating plants. A matching set includes a flowerpot and a basin with the same coloration, shape, and identical numbers.
This exhibition offers a rare opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate these historically significant and exquisite numbered Jun wares, shedding light on their association with the Imperial Palace and their unique use as flowerpots and basins.
Unraveling the Enigma: Numbered Jun Ware at the Forbidden City Exhibition
Vietnamese ceramics Numbered Jun Ware Ceramics of the Forbidden City
The current exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums presents a remarkable collection of Chinese ceramics known as “numbered Jun ware,” each piece intricately tied to the imperial palace in Beijing, commonly known as the “Forbidden City.” These prized artifacts boast unique characteristics that set them apart from the widely imitated porcelain found in neighboring Korea and Japan. Unlike their porcelain counterparts, numbered Jun wares were not extensively reproduced until the twentieth century, and even then, their production remained limited.
The exceptional rarity of numbered Jun wares, displayed at the exhibition, strengthens the belief that these masterpieces were exclusively crafted for the Imperial Palace, serving as elegant flowerpots and basins for specific areas within its opulent confines. Astonishingly, some of the exhibited objects bear inscriptions of specific rooms within the Forbidden City, notably the Hall of Mental Cultivation (养心殿), hinting at their designated usage within the imperial living quarters.
Yan Yang, the esteemed Curatorial Assistant for the Collection, unveils captivating insights into the historical context of these numbered Jun wares. As Yan Yang explains, during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796), many of these wares received inscriptions after firing, with palace names incised horizontally and room names vertically. This suggests that the Jun ware planters were carefully allocated for specific living corners within the Forbidden City, underscoring their significance and uniqueness.
Vietnamese ceramics Numbered Jun Ware Ceramics of the Forbidden City
Despite the esteemed status of numbered Jun ware, controversy surrounds the dating of their creation. Traditionally believed to originate from the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), this attribution has been reinforced by the Qianlong Emperor, who commissioned and inscribed a painted album leaf in support of this belief. However, the age of these exceptional ceramics continues to be a subject of heated debate among scholars. While some argue for a Song dynasty origin, an increasing number of experts now propose that they were created centuries later, during the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE).
Melissa Moy, the Alan J. Dworsky Associate Curator of Chinese Art and the curator of this intriguing exhibition, holds a personal connection to numbered Jun ware, having written her master’s thesis on the subject under the guidance of the Art Museum’s former curator, Robert D. Mowry. For Melissa, these ceramics represent a field that remains understudied in the realm of art history, leading to enduring misinterpretations over the centuries.
The Forbidden City exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums offers an unparalleled opportunity to unravel the mysteries of numbered Jun ware, discover their historical importance within the imperial palace, and appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of these rare and enigmatic ceramics. As visitors delve into the captivating world of numbered Jun ware, they will witness the ongoing efforts to shed light on their true origins, challenging long-held assumptions and providing new insights into China’s rich cultural heritage.
Harvard’s Rare Numbered Jun Ware Exhibition: A Celebration of Generosity and Colorful History
The current exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums presents an exceptional display of approximately thirty numbered Jun ware pieces, showcasing nearly half of Harvard’s esteemed collection of sixty pieces. As the largest collection of numbered Jun ware outside of greater China, this exhibition holds great significance for the museum and its visitors. The collection was generously donated in 1942 by Helen and Ernest Dane, an alumnus from the class of 1892. Their gift marked an early example of a major contribution from a Harvard alumnus and has become a cherished part of the museum’s heritage. This year commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Danes’ generous gift, and it is the first time that these rare numbered Jun wares are fully displayed as a cohesive group.
One of the distinguishing features of numbered Jun ware is its vibrant and colorful glaze. Experts at the Harvard Art Museums have attributed this unique characteristic to the presence of suspended glass bubbles within the glaze, which scatter light and give rise to a stunning blue hue. Additionally, the rich purple coloration is achieved by adding copper to the glaze during the firing process, adding to the allure and complexity of these exceptional ceramics.
Prior to being showcased in the exhibition, the numbered Jun ware underwent extensive restoration efforts carried out by the Harvard Art Museums’ Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies. Susan Costello, the Associate Conservator of Objects and Sculpture at the Straus Center, dedicated herself to restoring damaged pieces to their original splendor. Cracks were carefully fixed, and the color matching process ensured that the restored pieces regained their authentic appearance, preserving their historical and artistic integrity.
The “Numbered Jun Ware” exhibition at the Harvard Art Museums will run until August 13, 2017, providing art enthusiasts and history lovers alike the chance to marvel at these exceptional pieces of Chinese craftsmanship. Throughout July and August, visitors can also enjoy engaging gallery talks in both English and Chinese, offering deeper insights into the artistry and cultural significance of numbered Jun ware.
For those eager to delve further into the captivating story of Harvard’s numbered Jun ware collection, Harvard Magazine and the Harvard Art Museums website offer additional resources and information, making this exhibition a truly enriching and enlightening experience for all.
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