Flowerpot, approx. 1100

This vessel, designed for growing plants indoors, is an example of a type created at the Jun kilns in Henan province (China) for use at the Song (960-1126) court. During this period, garden design reached a pinnacle, flower arranging became an important pastime, entire genres of painting were dedicated to flowers and birds, and floral designs appeared in almost every art form. Entire categories of ceramics were designed either for the display of plants or for growing them indoors.