This is the catalogue of the exhibition, "The Multiplicity of Simplicity: Monochrome wares from the Song to the Yuan dynasties", held by the University Museum and Art Gallery, HKU. The Song dynasty (960-1279) saw a breakthrough in Chinese ceramics production. It was during this time that a number of famous kilns were established in different parts of China. The products from each kiln demonstrated a style of their own. Some of their innovative traditions were passed on to the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Sponsored by the University of Hong Kong Museum Society and the Songde Tang, this exhibition features 118 pieces of ceramic wares from the University Museum collection as well as eight collections in Hong Kong. They are representative works produced by the well-known kilns in Hebei, Henan, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces. All show rich variations of white, blue, green and black glaze colours. Evidently, the monochromes made from the Song to the Yuan dynasties are the result of a highly sophisticated ceramic technology. Most of the exhibits are displayed to the public for the first time. They are fully illustrated in this exhibition catalogue.

　　自古以来，中国陶瓷举世知名，其中以单色釉瓷的历史最为悠久，宋金元朝是各种单色釉瓷的黄金时代。香港大学美术博物馆主办的「大繁若简」展览，便是介绍三朝单色釉瓷的成就。中国陶瓷技术在宋代得到重大发展。不仅提高品质，增加釉色。更在各地纷立名窑，同时还出现专责烧制宫廷用瓷的官窑。这些技术流传到金、元两朝，又衍生出极具明显时代特征和地方特色的瓷器。这展览由香港大学博物馆学会及颂德堂赞助，共展出一百一十八件瓷器。它们选自大学博物馆馆藏及八个香港藏家的藏品。这些器物主要产自河北、河南、陕西、浙江、福建和江西的着名窑场，展示出青、蓝、黑、白等单种釉色。大部份展品均作首次展出，本书是博物馆为是次展览出版的图录，以协助观众欣赏这批古瓷精品。