Song vase in meiping shape and in beige crackle glaze. Height: 21 cm.The Song dynasty (960–1279) was an era of Chinese history that is divided into two distinct periods, Northern (960–1127) and Southern (1127–1279). Social life during the Song was vibrant. Citizens gathered to view and trade precious artworks, the populace intermingled at public festivals and private clubs, and cities had lively entertainment quarters. The spread of literature and knowledge was enhanced by the rapid expansion of woodblock printing and the 11th-century invention of movable-type printing. The era was known for its regional varieties of performing arts styles as well. Technology, science, philosophy, mathematics, and engineering flourished over the course of the Song. The gentry distinguished themselves in society through their intellectual and antiquarian pursuits, while the homes of prominent landholders attracted a variety of courtiers, including artisans, artists, educational tutors, and entertainers. The Song dynasty was an era of administrative sophistication and complex social organization. Some of the largest cities in the world were found in China during this period (Kaifeng and Hangzhou had populations of over a million). People enjoyed various social clubs and entertainment in the cities, and there were many schools and temples to provide the people with education and religious services. People attended social clubs in large numbers; there were tea clubs, exotic food clubs, antiquarian and art collectors' clubs, horse-loving clubs, poetry clubs, and music clubs. A meiping is a shape of vase in Chinese ceramics. The name is from mei meaning plum, and ping meaning vase, because of its shape, which made it suitable for holding a bough of blossoming plum. The meiping was especially popular during the Song (960–1279) and Ming (1368–1644) periods. Most Ming examples are white porcelain painted in underglaze blue.

In good condition

8.25 x 5 in

1.87 lb