Dai Black

Moon White was one of the Song Dynasty's most elegant colors. Emperor Huizong reportedly dreamed of the sky after rain and ordered Ru kiln artisans to create this faintly blue-tinted white glaze, embodying the Song aesthetic of subtle beauty.

Bamboo Green comes from the skin of fresh bamboo. In Chinese culture, bamboo is one of the "Four Gentlemen," symbolizing nobility, modesty, and resilience. Su Shi's famous line "Rather eat without meat than live without bamboo" captures scholars' love for bamboo.

Cobalt Blue is China's most globally influential color. In the Yuan Dynasty, Persian cobalt met Jingdezhen porcelain clay, creating stunning blue-and-white ware that spread along the Maritime Silk Road. A Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white jar sold for ¥230 million in 2005.

Purple held special status in Chinese history. The "Purple Star" was the emperor's star, and the "Purple Forbidden City" the imperial palace. Duke Huan of Qi loved purple so much that the entire nation wore it, making purple silk five times more expensive than white.

Lotus Pink, the pale purple of lotus root, was a favorite of Qing Dynasty court women. Empress Dowager Cixi particularly loved it for her casual wear and furnishings. As a non-primary color, it was free from rank restrictions, allowing personal expression.

"After rain, the sky clears—make this color for me." This legendary quote from Emperor Huizong describes Ru kiln's Sky Cyan. Using agate in the glaze, Ru ware achieves a jade-like blue that shifts subtly with light. Only ~70 pieces survive, each priceless.