In the mountains of southern Zhejiang, the Longquan kilns rose to become one of the great peaks of Chinese celadon ceramics.

During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), as production expanded, Longquan ware developed a new style: thick-glazed celadon with little or no decoration. Instead of relying on painted patterns or carved designs, these vessels won admiration through the beauty of their glaze alone.

Southern Song Longquan ware was prized above all for its glaze color. Its forms ranged from everyday dishes and bowls to objects for scholars as well as shapes inspired by ancient bronzes and jades, including li-style censers, cong-shaped vases and guan-ear vases.