Monochrome glaze is undoubtedly one of the oldest types of ceramics. It does not use painting as a decorative technique but relies entirely on the subtle color variations, textures, and forms of the object itself to create its most captivating aspects. Monochrome glazed ceramics were present in various dynasties throughout ancient China, such as the famous Xingzhou white porcelain and Yuezhou "secret color porcelain" from the Five Dynasties to the Tang dynasty. However, its most glorious peak was during the Song dynasty. Besides the so-called "Five Famous Kilns" (Ru, Jun, Ge, Guan, Ding), other renowned kilns included Jian kiln, Cizhou kiln, Longquan kiln, Yaozhou kiln, and Jizhou kiln. For example, the Song dynasty Jian kiln tea bowl in the Ailin Museum's collection (link) was an essential utensil for the popular tea drinking and tea competition practices among both officials and common people at the time. The richness of forms and the beauty of the glaze colors in these ceramic works reflect the unique taste and creativity of ancient Chinese art and aesthetics.