ITEM: Temple tile with chrysanthemums MATERIAL: Pottery CULTURE: Chinese, Song dynasty PERIOD: 960 - 1279 A.D DIMENSIONS: 335 mm x 260 mm x 35 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, West Country, acquired between 1970s - 1990s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. The Song Dynasty, spanning from 960 to 1279 AD, is regarded as one of the most culturally and economically prosperous periods in Chinese history. It was a time of significant advancements in arts, science, technology, and governance. The Song Dynasty is divided into two main periods: the Northern Song (960-1127 AD) and the Southern Song (1127-1279 AD), which were characterized by different political landscapes due to the invasion and conquest of northern China by the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty. During the Song Dynasty, China experienced remarkable economic growth and urbanization, leading to the emergence of a vibrant mercantile class and the development of bustling cities such as Hangzhou, Kaifeng, and Guangzhou. The economy flourished due to innovations in agriculture, commerce, and industry, including the widespread use of paper money, the expansion of the Grand Canal for trade and transportation, and the development of new technologies such as printing, gunpowder, and porcelain production. The Song Dynasty was also a golden age of Chinese arts and culture, with significant achievements in literature, painting, calligraphy, ceramics, and poetry. Renowned poets such as Su Dongpo and Li Qingzhao produced timeless literary works, while artists like Zhang Zeduan created masterpieces like the "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," a famous painting depicting scenes of daily life in Song Dynasty China. Additionally, the Song Dynasty saw the refinement of classical Chinese aesthetics in porcelain production, exemplified by delicate celadon and blue-and-white ceramics that are highly prized by collectors today.