Bulletin Autumn 1978

We believe that this University with our extensive research programme on the subject is in many ways the right place for holding such a conference, as we are located at the cross-roads of trade routes of the ancient as well as the modern world; and we are not so far from some of the most important centres of pottery production in T'ang and Sung China. Pottery was by no means the only commodity traded in early commerce in Asia, but the peculiar physical properties of pottery makes it a specially suitable subject of study for archaeologists and historians. Because it is practically indestructible, it has survived under all kinds of conditions. Ideally, it should provide the perfect clue to the tracing of trade contacts between various parts of the ancient world. In practice, the study of trade pottery has hitherto been hampered by the lack of accurate recording of archaeological finds of pottery, and the lack of reliable information on the wares themselves. However, largely through the efforts of all of you present here, these deficiencies are gradually being remedied. A good start in the study of trade pottery was made in Manila in 1968. We feel that the time is right for us to come together for another exchange of the latest information, and knowledge, to which you have all made your own contributions. It is my sincere wish that you will find the coming week of discussions and exchange of ideas beneficial to your future work. I also believe you will leave this University, and Hong Kong with the satisfaction should I say, having established your own trade contacts in research and ideas. Let me wish you all success in your deliberations. Symposium open. Pear-shaped vase in dark brown glaze with carved 'guri' patterns Yuan Lung Ch'uan censer with three legs Southern Sung Small bottle in white glaze with brown spots Northern Sung 19