Although the artifacts were originally viewed as faulty goods, and so were smashed to pieces, as far as Wang is concerned, they are still extremely important.

"Without the archaeological study of the Imperial Kiln, we would not have known of the existence of many kinds of ancient porcelain utensils, because they have not survived," says Wang.

According to Zhang Ai, deputy director of the exhibition department at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum, the exhibition also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the museum in 1983.

Ledao Hall has recently become the first exhibition hall at the museum to have a constant temperature and humidity, which is better for displaying artifacts, and there are plans for more exhibitions of this kind to be held there in years to come.

Contact the writer at wangru1@chinadaily.com.cn