Ancient ceramics in Palace Museum destroyed

A piece of ancient Chinese ceramics in the Beijing Palace Museum, known as Ge Ware, has been destroyed due to improper handling. Academics were inspecting the pieces when the accident occurred. The Palace Museum's inspection of the ancient ceramics has now been suspended.

Ge Ware originated in the Song Dynasty, about 800 years ago. Ge Ware represents one of the pinnacles of Chinese porcelain. Only a few hundred pieces remain, all of them priceless. Ge Ware is renowned for the high skill needed to create their distinctive crackling pattern.