When the Tang dynasty collapsed, a period of upheaval followed. In the mid-tenth century, a general, Zhou Kuangyin, reunified China, establishing the Song dynasty. The dynasty is divided into two periods: the Northern Song (960–1126), the physically larger empire, and the Southern Song (1127–1279). The Song government was the first in world history to issue paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a standing navy. This period also saw the first known military use of gunpowder, as well as the first use of a magnetic compass for navigation. Technology advanced in fields as diverse as agriculture, iron-working, and printing. Increas-ing population and booming trade led to a thriving economy.
The Song government’s relative military weakness was disturbing to many Chinese intellectuals. They developed a defensive, inward-looking world view and became less open to adopting foreign styles and ideas. Buddhism was to some degree rejected for its foreign origin, and Confucianism and Daoism experienced a resurgence. With the Confucian revival came a new interest in and reverance for ancient culture; art collectors and connoisseurs flourished.
Song ceramics were superb. Most noteworthy are the celadon wares produced at the Longquan kilns, characterized by their simple, well-proportioned forms and lustrous, blue-green glaze. The Song rulers also established an imperial painting academy, and painters from all over China were recruited to serve the needs of the court.
Shallow Bowl with Double Fish Motif. Porcelain (Longquan celadon ware). Song Dynasty. 12th-13th c. Minneapolis Institute of Art.