Artistic Characteristics and Cultural Connotations of Changsha Tongguan Kiln Ceramics during the Tang Dynasty อัตลักษณ์ทางศิลปะและความหมายทางวัฒนธรรมของเครื่องเคลือบถงกวน เมืองฉางซาในสมัยราชวงศ์ถัง

Abstract

Changsha Tongguan Kiln ceramics represent one of the most important folk ceramic traditions of the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, which flourished as a widely exported ware. This tradition effectively transcended the established regional dichotomy of “celadon in the south and white ware in the north,” and is recognized as a significant element of Hunan’s intangible cultural heritage. It also occupies a prominent place in the history of Chinese ceramic development and in the cultural exchanges between China and other regions during that era. This study traces the developmental trajectory of Tongguan Kiln ceramics and examines their distinctive artistic characteristics along with the cultural meanings they embody. The research methodology integrates literature review, fieldwork investigations, and interdisciplinary approaches, including design theory, semiotics, aesthetics, and archaeology. The findings reveal that the origin of Tongguan Kiln ceramic industry can be traced back to the earlier Yuezhou kilns. Throughout its evolution, it assimilated influences from northern Chinese ceramic technologies, Tang sancai ware, and various foreign artistic styles. As a result of political turmoil and increased competition from northern kilns in the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, Tongguan kiln production went into decline and eventually ceased. An analysis of excavated Tongguan wares shows that the majority of these pieces were tableware. Their artistic style can be characterized in three aspects: 1) robust, rounded vessel forms; 2) a rich palette of glazes – celadon and white glazes served as the primary tones, complemented by a wide range of other colors such as brown, ochre, green, black, tea, blue, and copper-red; and 3) diverse decorative motifs, encompassing five main categories of design – freehand dots and lines, floral and plant motifs, animal figures, human figures, and calligraphic inscriptions. These artistic features express deeper layers of cultural meaning, which may be interpreted through three primary dimensions: regional folk culture, religious symbolism, and foreign cultural influences. This study aims to highlight the cultural value of Changsha Tongguan Kiln ceramics and to provide a theoretical foundation for its preservation, inheritance, and dissemination as part of China’s rich ceramic heritage.