Dish with incised decoration

Longquan celadons were produced in a myriad of forms, and were hugely popular in both the domestic and overseas markets. This large dish with incised decoration was glazed a translucent green and fired. The production of celadons in Longquan probably arose after the Yue kilns declined in importance at around the 10th century. The potters in Longquan did not want to see the greenware tradition of the south die and started to produce celadons in much the same genre. Production of Longquan celadons began at around the 11th century. These thickly-glazed celadons were fired in dragon kilns that produced thousands in a single firing session. They are prized for their unctuous green tone that resembles jade. A wide variety of decorative techniques were used on these celadons.