Music by the bowlful

In his most famous verse, ninth century poet Lu Guimeng wrote: "Autumn brings chill morning breeze and dewdrops, I saw from distance arrays of celadons brought out from the kilns; their greenish gray coating looks so beautiful, as if the hues were borrowed from the lush mountains."

The poem refers to the firing of ceramics at the Yue kilns in present-day eastern Zhejiang province. The first examples of the creamy, green ceramic appeared as early as the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC), but the techniques for making them matured during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) period.

A lively concert on Monday night in Ningbo in Zhejiang province demonstrated another pleasing aspect of Yue celadon to guests attending the Sixth World Buddhist Forum, which runs from Oct 15 to 17.

Some musicians taking part used celadon vases and bowls as instruments.

It is believed that musical performances using celadon "instruments", known as ou yue, first became popular in Ningbo during the mid-Tang Dynasty (618-907) period, before becoming a popular form of entertainment at royal feasts, and later among the public.

The making of Yue celadon declined during the mid-Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) period, as did ou yue, which was forgotten as time passed. It was not until recently that the art form was rediscovered and revived, once again becoming known to concertgoers outside Ningbo, Zhejiang, and the country.