Celadon, a term familiar to many, is a treasured gem in traditional Chinese culture, captivating the world with its unique qualities of delicate porcelain, graceful and flowing lines, dignified and simple forms, and pure and vibrant colors. As an ancient type of pottery, celadon holds not only remarkable artistic value but also an integral part of ancient Chinese culture.
what is celadon pottery?
Renowned for its pure and colorful characteristics, celadon is not only an ancient type of pottery with exceptional artistic value but also an integral part of ancient Chinese culture.
The origin of celadon can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, during which celadon wares were simple and unadorned, and the craftsmanship was still immature. However, over time, the art of celadon gradually developed, and by the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the technology had reached a high level of artistic achievement. Since then, celadon continued to evolve and transform, becoming one of the important representatives of ancient Chinese ceramics.
The craftsmanship of celadon is complex and meticulous, involving processes such as material selection, formulation, clay refinement, shaping, drying, and firing. Each step requires exquisite skills and a rigorous attitude. During the firing process, precise temperature control and atmosphere adjustment are crucial to achieve different glaze colors and luster. The continuous progress and innovation in these craftsmanship techniques led to the improvement of celadon’s quality and made it an essential carrier of ancient Chinese culture.
One prominent feature of celadon is its color. It displays varying shades of green, gentle yet vibrant, evoking a sense of freshness and elegance. Additionally, celadon’s textures and forms are distinctive; some pieces feature flowing patterns reminiscent of floating clouds, while others exhibit dignified and grandiose shapes. These characteristics make celadon a highly esteemed artistic treasure, cherished not only by the Chinese but also admired and valued by people around the world.
what is the meaning of celadon?
Celadon is a type of porcelain renowned worldwide for its delicate porcelain texture, graceful and flowing lines, dignified and simple forms, and pure and vibrant colors. It is an important traditional ceramic category, holding immense artistic and historical-cultural value. The color of celadon displays various shades of green, both gentle and bright, evoking a sense of freshness and elegance. Additionally, its textures and forms are unique; some pieces feature patterns resembling floating clouds, while others exhibit dignified and grandiose shapes. Celadon’s distinct porcelain texture, lines, forms, and colors have earned it worldwide acclaim, making it an integral part of ancient Chinese culture.
what is the definition of celadon?
Celadon is a type of porcelain renowned worldwide for its delicate porcelain texture, graceful and flowing lines, dignified and simple forms, and pure and vibrant colors. It is an important traditional ceramic category, holding immense artistic and historical-cultural value.
The origin of celadon can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, during which celadon wares were simple and unadorned, and the craftsmanship was still immature. However, over time, the art of celadon gradually developed, and by the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the technology had reached a high level of artistic achievement. Since then, celadon continued to evolve and transform, becoming one of the important representatives of ancient Chinese ceramics.
The craftsmanship of celadon is complex and meticulous, involving processes such as material selection, formulation, clay refinement, shaping, drying, and firing. Each step requires exquisite skills and a rigorous attitude. During the firing process, precise temperature control and atmosphere adjustment are crucial to achieve different glaze colors and luster. The continuous progress and innovation in these craftsmanship techniques led to the improvement of celadon’s quality and made it an essential carrier of ancient Chinese culture.
One prominent feature of celadon is its color. It displays varying shades of green, both gentle and bright, evoking a sense of freshness and elegance. Additionally, its textures and forms are unique; some pieces feature patterns resembling floating clouds, while others exhibit dignified and grandiose shapes. These characteristics make celadon a highly esteemed artistic treasure, cherished not only by the Chinese but also admired and valued by people around the world.
what is celadon called in Chinese?
Celadon is a type of porcelain renowned worldwide for its delicate porcelain texture, graceful and flowing lines, dignified and simple forms, and pure and vibrant colors. It is an important traditional ceramic category, holding immense artistic and historical-cultural value.
Celadon is known by various alternative names, such as green porcelain, clear porcelain, cyan porcelain, light blue porcelain, blue-green porcelain, jade green porcelain, secret color porcelain, celadon, plum green, bean green, tea green, emerald green, and bronze green. These names reflect different characteristics of celadon; for example, “plum green” is due to its deep blue-green hue resembling the color of plums, and “bean green” refers to its color resembling the tender green of beans. These alternative names also capture the diverse attributes of celadon.
The production of celadon involves several stages, including material selection, formulation, clay refinement, shaping, drying, and firing. Each step demands exquisite craftsmanship and a meticulous approach. During firing, precise temperature control and atmosphere management are critical to achieve varying glaze colors and luster. The continuous progress and innovation in these techniques have led to the constant improvement of celadon’s quality, solidifying its role as an important carrier of ancient Chinese culture.
One prominent feature of celadon is its color. It displays varying shades of green, both gentle and bright, evoking a sense of freshness and elegance. Additionally, its textures and forms are unique; some celadon wares exhibit patterns resembling flowing clouds, while others boast dignified and grandiose shapes. These attributes make celadon a highly esteemed artistic treasure, cherished not only by the Chinese but also admired and valued by people around the world.
what is celadon color?
Celadon exhibits a variety of colors, such as plum green, pink-green, moon white, bean green, light blue, and grey-yellow. Modern Longquan celadon faithfully inherits the traditional Chinese artistic style, while also making new breakthroughs based on this heritage. Research has successfully developed new glaze colors like purple-copper glaze, high-temperature black glaze, tiger spot glaze, ochre glaze, tea-dyed glaze, dark gold glaze, and sky blue glaze.
Primitive celadon ware dates back to the Shang Dynasty over 3,000 years ago, with primitive celadon pieces preserved from this period. More mature celadon wares emerged in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, made from composite materials such as kaolin or porcelain stone, fired at temperatures between 1200-1300 degrees Celsius. The clay body required hardness, density, thinness, and non-absorbency, with a smooth and non-peeling glaze applied on the surface.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, artisans at the Longquan Kiln invented and applied the lime-alkali glaze, creating the renowned pink-green and plum green glaze, propelling Longquan celadon to fame with overwhelming praise. The invention and application of the lime-alkali glaze marked a significant creative improvement for celadon glazes, imparting a jade-like texture to the ceramic surface. The thick and smooth glaze appears akin to natural precious jade, captivating admirers at first glance. Plum green glaze represents the epitome of ancient Chinese celadon production. The rich glazes of Longquan Kiln, represented by pink-green and plum green, push the beauty of celadon glazes to its zenith. It also reflects the height of aesthetics during the Song Dynasty: no need for heavy embellishments or gaudy decorations, elegance shines through simplicity, with just a glance, radiating refined charm without the need for a single word.
what is celadon made of?
The production of celadon requires the preparation of various raw materials, including porcelain stone, kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. These raw materials play different roles in the production process.
Firstly, porcelain stone is one of the key raw materials in making celadon, containing abundant silica and glassy substances. During the batching phase, this material is mixed with kaolin, feldspar, quartz, and others, then undergoes grinding and processing to form porcelain clay.
Secondly, kaolin is a high-quality clay with excellent plasticity and sintering properties. During the batching phase, kaolin is mixed with materials like porcelain stone, then processed and conditioned to form a porcelain clay with certain hardness and toughness.
In addition, feldspar and quartz are mainly used to adjust the chemical composition of glaze, achieving the desired color and texture. These raw materials are mixed during the batching phase to adjust the whiteness, transparency, and luster of the porcelain.
Apart from the mentioned raw materials, there is another important one – turquoise powder. It is an indispensable material in making celadon. The composition of turquoise powder mainly includes siliceous rock, quartz, feldspar, mica, kaolin, thorium, and other metal elements such as iron, zirconium, titanium, and lithium are added in certain amounts to activate the raw materials. During the production of celadon, turquoise powder is mixed with porcelain clay and, after firing, imparts the distinctive green color to the surface of the celadon.
what is celadon used for?
Celadon has a wide range of applications and is mainly used in the following aspects:
Tableware: Celadon’s delicate and beautiful appearance, as well as its ease of cleaning, make it one of the main materials for ancient Chinese tableware. In modern life, celadon tableware is still widely used and has become a daily item with cultural significance and artistic value.
Drinking utensils: Celadon tea sets are an essential part of Chinese tea culture, known for their good air permeability, strong insulation, and vibrant green color. They are favored items for tea tasting and appreciation. Additionally, celadon wine utensils are also part of modern life, enhancing the quality of life and artistic enjoyment.
Storage containers: Celadon storage jars, bottles, and other containers were used in ancient times for storing food, water, medicines, and other items. They are valued for their excellent sealing, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning.
Stationery: Celadon inkstones, pen holders, inkwells, and other stationery were essential tools for ancient scholars and literati, appreciated for their beauty, practicality, and ease of cleaning.
Toys: Celadon toys were one of the main forms of ancient children’s playthings, known for their safety, environmental friendliness, and educational value.
Decorative items: Celadon vases, tea sets, and other decorative pieces have an elegant, classical, and unique artistic value, making them sought-after items for modern home decoration and collections.
What is special about Celadon?
Celadon stands out for its vibrant colors, excellent luster, delicate texture, good translucency, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and easy cleaning. It contains abundant silica and glass, posing no toxic side effects to the human body. The unique production process of celadon involves multiple steps, including ingredient mixing, shaping, drying, and firing, to create exquisite, durable, and emerald green celadon ware. With a long history, celadon possesses tremendous artistic and historical cultural value, constituting a significant part of traditional Chinese ceramics.
Celadon is a treasured ceramic firing technique in China, characterized by the following aspects:
Delicate porcelain: Celadon features fine porcelain with smooth and even surfaces, providing a comfortable touch.
Fluid and dynamic lines: Celadon displays flowing lines and graceful forms, exuding a sense of dynamic movement.
Dignified and simple shapes: Celadon showcases dignified and unadorned shapes, exuding an aura of composure and possessing high artistic value.
Pure and varied colors: Celadon exhibits verdant green colors, with pure glaze hues. Some celadon, due to impurities such as iron and inadequate reduction atmosphere during firing, may present yellow or brown tones.
what color goes with celadon green?
Celadon green is a beautiful and unique color that exudes a fresh and elegant aura, giving a sense of purity and understated charm. When pairing with celadon green, choosing suitable colors can enhance overall harmony and aesthetics.
White is one of the ideal complementary colors for celadon green. The combination of white and celadon green creates a refreshing and refined ambiance, offering a sense of comfort and pleasantness. In addition to white, silver-gray is also a good choice as it adds a touch of softness and graceful beauty to celadon green.
Furthermore, celadon green can be paired with warm colors such as orange, yellow, or red. This combination accentuates the cool and noble temperament of celadon green, creating an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur.
what color is celadon blue?
Celadon blue, with its color resembling that of porcelain, presents a refreshing and elegant feeling. The color of celadon blue evokes a tranquil, comfortable, and serene atmosphere, providing a sense of peace and serenity.
Celadon blue is an exceptionally beautiful color that brings a refreshing breath, leaving one feeling invigorated and pleasant. Simultaneously, celadon blue possesses a noble and mysterious quality, imparting a sense of solemnity and gracefulness.
In daily life, celadon blue can be used for various decorations and combinations, such as furniture, curtains, carpets, and more. The pairing of celadon blue creates an ambiance of nobility, freshness, and elegance, making one feel comfortable and pleasant. Moreover, celadon blue can be applied in clothing combinations, for instance, matching with white clothes, shoes, and bags, to create an air of freshness, nobility, and gracefulness.
what is celadon glaze?
Celadon glaze, also known as “qingci glaze,” is a renowned traditional color glaze used in Chinese ceramics. It is one of the earliest color glazes used in porcelain from ancient southern China. The term “qingci glaze” does not represent a pure blue-green color; instead, it encompasses various hues such as moon white, sky blue, pale green, celadon green, bean green, bean blue, and emerald green, all of which tend to display a hint of greenish-blue. In ancient times, people often referred to three colors—blue, green, and azure—as “qing,” as exemplified by Xu Zhiheng in “Yinliu Zhai Shuo Ci,” stating: “Ancient ceramics mostly had a qing color, which includes green and blue, all classified under qing.” Similarly, Liu Zifen in “Zhuyuan Taoshuo” remarked: “Qing is a single category, often mixed with blue. After rain, when the sky clears up, the qing colors of Jun kiln and Yuan kiln are close to blue.” “Only the emerald green of Qianfeng, celadon green, and bean green can be considered pure qing. The natural color of the sky is blue, but sometimes it appears qing.”
Celadon glaze is a type of porcelain glaze that utilizes iron as the coloring agent, typically exhibiting colors like greenish-blue, bean green, blue-green, or duck egg blue. It is fired at temperatures ranging from 1250 to 1300 degrees Celsius, resulting in a thick, transparent, and lustrous glaze with a hard texture. The mature period for celadon glaze occurred during the Northern and Southern Dynasties and reached its peak in the Song Dynasty. Exquisite celadon wares were produced in Song Dynasty kilns like Longquan kiln, Guan kiln, Ru kiln, and Yaozhou kiln. The raw materials for celadon glaze include quartz, feldspar, calcite, talc, limestone, dolomite, magnesite, and wood charcoal, among others. The coloring element in celadon glaze is iron, and its color can vary based on the iron content, resulting in different shades. The glazing methods for celadon wares include dipping, pouring, brushing, and spraying. Celadon ceramics have a wide range of uses, including ornamental ceramics, daily-use ceramics, sanitary ceramics, and architectural ceramics. The color gradations and varied patterns of celadon glaze impart it with beauty and elegance. It holds significant value for art and collectors alike, and is cherished and admired by people from all over the world.
celadon glaze styles
Celadon Glaze Colors
“缥色” (piāo sè) originally referred to a light blue silk fabric. In the context of celadon, it indicates the color of the glaze. The glaze color of Yue celadon is referred to as “缥色”. It appears as a pale blue-green, with a predominant green component in the light grayish-green color. However, due to variations in firing temperature, the glaze colors can differ, ranging from deep grayish-green, greenish blue, yellowish green, and even gray with hints of smoky dark red. There are two types of glaze quality: one is a transparent glass glaze, thick and prone to cracking; the other is a less transparent glass glaze, achieved through reduction firing.
“秘色” (mì sè) is said to be a type of celadon color. It is described as being grayish-blue with a non-glossy glaze. It was once believed to be a secret color used only for imperial purposes by the Qian family during the Later Zhou dynasty. However, “秘色” actually refers to a shade of celadon, with a color that leans towards grayish-blue and a non-glossy glaze. It was prevalent during the Five Dynasties and declined during the Southern Song period. During the Tang dynasty, celadon glaze with similar properties already existed, and it reached its peak during the Five Dynasties and gradually declined during the Southern Song period. “秘色” is also referred to as “翡色” (fěi sè) overseas.
“粉青” (fěn qīng) is a type of celadon glaze using lime-alkali glaze. It is mainly colored by iron oxide, with some manganese or titanium. The process involves applying the glaze on the unfired body, with a thickness of 1-2.5 millimeters. It is then reduction-fired at high temperatures, resulting in a pale, elegant green glaze with an artistic effect similar to that of green jade. “粉青” was first created at the Longquan kilns in the Southern Song period. It was also successfully produced at the official kilns during the Ming dynasty and at Jingdezhen during later periods.
“豆青” (dòu qīng) originated from the Longquan kilns during the Song dynasty. Originally, “东青” (dōng qīng) and “豆青” were considered the same type, but later they developed distinct characteristics. Before the Ming dynasty, the color leaned towards pale yellow, but in the Qing dynasty, it became pure green. The “豆青” glaze was found on various vessels, applied on the surface while the inside and bottom remained unglazed.
“天青” (tiān qīng) glaze is said to have been created based on the response of the Later Zhou dynasty emperor to requests for the shape and color of the royal ceramics. The emperor answered with a poetic line, which inspired the creation of “雨过天青色” (yǔ guò tiān qīng sè), the so-called “天青” glaze. Records also mention the “天青” glaze used in the Ru kilns. The “天青” glaze was at its peak during the early Qing dynasty. The official kilns during the Kangxi period had “天青” glazes with a touch of blue, thin and firm glaze, with a bright and smooth glaze surface. Folk kilns had deeper green colors with thicker glaze layers. By the Yongzheng period, the glaze color became subdued and enchanting, but later during the Qianlong period, due to poor-quality raw materials, the glaze color turned dull and was even referred to as “ghost face blue.”
“梅子青” (méi zi qīng) is a type of glaze color used on celadon ceramics. It originated from the Longquan kilns during the Song dynasty and is comparable to the color of jade or green plums, hence its name. “梅子青” is a type of lime-alkali glaze formed in reducing atmosphere, mainly colored by iron oxide, and it exhibits a strong glaze luster. It is considered one of the most classic and rare glazes of the Longquan kilns.
“青白釉” (qīng bái yòu) is a type of celadon glaze created by Jingdezhen kilns in the early and middle Northern Song period. The glaze contains a low iron content, resulting in a glaze that appears blue-tinged over white, hence the name “青白釉”. Apart from Jingdezhen, other kilns in Anhui, Fujian, Hubei, and other regions also produced ceramics with this type of glaze.
“冬青釉” (dōng qīng yòu) is said to have been produced at civilian kilns in Kaifeng, Henan, during the Northern Song period. It is also known as “冻青釉”. During the Yongzheng period of the Qing dynasty, the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Factory successfully reproduced the “东青釉” technique and added various decorative techniques, such as underglaze gold painting and polychrome enamels.
“翠青釉” (cuì qīng yòu) is a type of celadon glaze color created during the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty. The glaze color resembles the green of bamboo, with a glossy surface and dense small bubbles in the glaze. It is formed in a reducing atmosphere, resulting in a jade-like, translucent green color. The upper part of vessels with “翠青釉” is often lighter and elegant, while the lower part is more concentrated.
what is a celadon glaze made of?
The glaze materials for celadon include quartz, feldspar, calcite, talc, limestone, dolomite, magnesite, and wood charcoal, among others. After proportioning and processing, these raw materials become the glaze material for celadon. The coloring element in celadon glaze is iron, and based on its iron content, it can be fired to achieve different colors. The glazing methods include dipping, pouring, brushing, and spraying. Celadon glaze exhibits a rich and varied color layering, displaying beauty and elegance. Celadon ceramics have a wide range of uses, including ornamental ceramics, daily-use ceramics, sanitary ceramics, and architectural ceramics. Celadon glaze holds significant value for art and collectors and is cherished and admired by people from all over the world.
In particular, there are two major categories of glaze for ancient Longquan celadon: lime glaze and alkali glaze. Lime glaze is characterized by being easily flowing at high temperatures, resulting in relatively thin glaze layers. This type of glaze mainly consists of a glass phase, with few bubbles and undissolved quartz particles, leading to a rather transparent glaze layer with a strong gloss. Alkali glaze, on the other hand, has higher viscosity at high temperatures, making it less prone to flowing. Consequently, thicker glaze layers can be applied, giving the ceramic objects a fuller and deeper appearance. Song Dynasty artisans controlled the firing temperature and reduction atmosphere to achieve a soft and elegant artistic effect, resembling the appearance of jade, on the glaze surface. This is the famous Longquan kiln celadon glaze. Under a microscope, the pale green glaze layer contains numerous small bubbles and undissolved quartz particles, causing strong light scattering within the glaze layer, resulting in a unique artistic effect that differs significantly from ordinary glass glaze. The invention of alkali glaze during the Southern Song period was a breakthrough achievement in celadon coloring.
During the Southern Song period, Longquan kiln also produced a celadon glaze known as “meiziqing,” whose color was comparable to jadeite. The firing temperature of meiziqing glaze was higher than that of pale green glaze, leading to a higher degree of glassification. The meiziqing glaze layer is slightly transparent and has a strong gloss. From a craftsmanship perspective, the formation of meiziqing glaze not only required higher firing temperatures but also a stronger reduction atmosphere and a thicker glaze layer compared to pale green glaze.
In the Southern Song period, in addition to using porcelain clay and limestone as glaze raw materials, they also added ash from grass and wood in the glaze preparation process. As grass and wood ash is obtained from the burning of plant branches and leaves with a high potassium content, it is rich in potassium salts. This is a key reason for the formation of alkali glaze.
The glaze material processing process involves crushing, proportioning, ball milling, sieving to remove iron, and then becoming the glaze material.
how to make celadon?
The process of making celadon glaze is as follows:
Prepare raw materials: To make celadon glaze, specific raw materials such as feldspar, quartz, kaolin, limestone, etc., are required.
Crush the raw materials: The raw materials are crushed to a certain fineness using a ball mill or pulverizer.
Prepare the glaze slurry: The crushed raw materials are proportionally mixed with an appropriate amount of water to create the glaze slurry, ensuring a uniform mixture.
Apply the glaze: The glaze slurry is evenly applied onto the surface of the ceramic body, covering the entire surface.
Firing: The glazed ceramic body is placed into a kiln for firing. The temperature needs to be controlled within a certain range to induce changes in the glaze layer.
Shaping: After firing, the celadon-glazed products need further processing, such as grinding and polishing, to achieve the desired shape and glossiness.
Celadon is a traditional type of Chinese porcelain, cherished worldwide for its unique emerald green color and jade-like, lustrous appearance. Its production process has a long history and requires exceptional craftsmanship, making it one of the representatives of ancient Chinese ceramic art. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the production process of celadon and important considerations.
Firstly, the production of celadon involves preparing various raw materials, including porcelain stone, kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. Porcelain stone is a crucial material for making celadon, as it contains abundant silica and glassy elements. Kaolin, a high-quality clay with excellent plasticity and sintering properties, is also used. Feldspar and quartz are primarily used to adjust the chemical composition of the glaze to achieve the desired color and texture.
Next, the raw materials are mixed in specific proportions and added with an appropriate amount of water to form a slurry. The slurry is then filtered to obtain a pure mixture free from impurities. Subsequently, the slurry is poured into molds and pressed to shape the clay body. This step requires special attention to ensure the uniform thickness and shape of the clay body, ensuring the quality and aesthetics of the final product after firing.
Afterward, the clay body is dried, followed by glazing. Glazing can be done through various methods, such as immersion, brushing, or spraying. Different glazing techniques will influence the final appearance of the product. After glazing, the clay body undergoes another drying process.
Finally, the clay body is placed in a high-temperature kiln for firing. The firing temperature for celadon is generally above 1200°C, and the firing process can last several hours. During firing, minerals within the clay body undergo chemical reactions, forming stable silicate mineral structures, resulting in a robust ceramic product. Simultaneously, the glaze undergoes chemical reactions at high temperatures, creating the unique luster and color of celadon.
After completion of firing, the ceramic needs to be gradually cooled and the kiln opened. This step requires special attention, as sudden temperature changes may affect the quality of the ceramic. Therefore, gradual cooling is necessary to avoid abrupt temperature changes.
how to use celadon glaze?
Celadon glaze is mainly used for the decoration of ceramic ware and can be applied following the steps below:
Prepare the ceramic ware: Select the ceramic ware that needs decoration, clean it thoroughly, and let it dry.
Apply the base glaze: Evenly coat the interior and exterior surfaces of the ceramic ware with celadon glaze as the base glaze.
Painting: Use brushes or other tools to paint the desired patterns or text on the base glaze.
Apply transparent glaze: Apply another layer of transparent glaze over the painted ceramic ware to enhance the clarity and vividness of the patterns or text.
Firing: Place the ceramic ware coated with celadon glaze in the kiln and fire it, controlling the temperature within a certain range to achieve the desired changes in the celadon glaze.
Completion: After firing, the patterns or text on the ceramic ware will display unique colors and textures. Perform final finishing touches, such as polishing and smoothing, to enhance the beauty of the celadon glaze decoration.
is celadon glaze food safe?
Yes, celadon glaze is generally considered food safe when properly prepared and fired. Celadon glaze is a type of ceramic glaze that has been used for centuries in the production of food and beverage containers, such as bowls, plates, cups, and teapots. When fired at high temperatures in a kiln, the glaze forms a glassy and non-porous surface, which helps prevent the absorption of liquids and contaminants.
To ensure that celadon glaze is food safe, it is essential that the glaze materials are carefully selected and free from toxic substances. Additionally, the firing process must reach a sufficient temperature to vitrify the glaze, making it impermeable and safe for food contact.
However, it is important to note that the safety of any ceramic glaze, including celadon glaze, ultimately depends on the specific materials and firing techniques used by the ceramic artist or manufacturer. It is advisable to purchase celadon-glazed ceramics from reputable sources that adhere to safety standards and regulations for food contact materials. Always check for certifications and labels indicating that the product is food safe. Additionally, if you have any concerns about the safety of a specific celadon-glazed item, it is best to consult the manufacturer or a ceramic expert for more information.
what is celadon jade?
Celadon jade is a very special natural stone, and its name “celadon” does not refer to traditional porcelain, but rather to the unique greenish-blue luster that this stone exhibits. Its appearance resembles high-quality celadon porcelain, hence the name. Celadon jade is a precious gemstone, highly valued for its collectible and artistic qualities. It boasts high hardness and excellent wear resistance, making it a popular choice for crafting high-end decorative items, carvings, jewelry, and more. Additionally, celadon jade can be crafted into various artistic pieces of different shapes, such as bowls, plates, vases, and others, showcasing both aesthetics and practicality. In conclusion, celadon jade is a truly precious gemstone, rich in historical significance and cultural heritage, playing an important role in Chinese culture.
styles for celadon
Celadon is a type of traditional Chinese porcelain with a history dating back to the Han Dynasty. It combines practicality and aesthetics, possessing unique artistic value and cultural significance. Celadon comes in various types, distinguished by their production techniques, glaze colors, shapes, and decorations.
Firstly, based on production techniques, celadon can be classified into celadon glaze, carved celadon, and carved relief celadon. Celadon glaze refers to a high-temperature color glaze fired at high temperatures. Carved celadon involves artistic carving on the surface of the porcelain. Carved relief celadon showcases exquisitely carved floral patterns on the porcelain’s surface.
Secondly, categorized by glaze colors, celadon includes celadon glaze, carved celadon, carved relief celadon, and celadon firing. Celadon glaze features primarily greenish-blue hues with a soft glaze surface. Carved celadon exhibits varying shades of glaze, with smooth and flowing lines. Carved relief celadon boasts a greenish luster with intricate relief patterns. Celadon firing displays a crystalline and translucent glaze, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Thirdly, according to shapes, celadon can be classified into bowls, plates, teapots, vases, jars, and other vessels. Each type of vessel has its unique characteristics, such as the round and smooth shape of bowls, the flat shape of plates, the tall and elegant shape of teapots, the slender and graceful shape of vases, and the sturdy shape of jars.
Lastly, based on decorations, celadon can be categorized into carved decorations, stamped decorations, and decal decorations. Carved decorations involve intricate designs carved onto the porcelain’s surface with a smooth and flowing appearance. Stamped decorations use seal stamps to create exquisite patterns. Decal decorations feature unique artwork achieved by applying decal paper to the porcelain’s surface.
famous celadon pottery
Famous celadon ceramics in China include:
Yue Kiln: Located in Shaoxing, Shangyu, and Yuyao in Zhejiang province. It was renowned during the Tang, Five Dynasties, and Song periods. Yue Kiln celadon has a lustrous and transparent glaze with elegant shapes and delicate decorations.
Longquan Kiln: Located in Longquan City, Zhejiang province, it was one of the famous celadon production centers during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Longquan celadon is known for its fine texture, soft glaze color, and exquisite craftsmanship, earning the title “Flower of Celadon.”
Guan Kiln: Located in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, it was one of the five famous kilns during the Song dynasty. Guan Kiln celadon has a fine texture, dignified shapes, and a sky-blue glaze color with simple and elegant decorations.
Ru Kiln: Located in Ruzhou City, Henan province, it was also one of the five famous kilns during the Song dynasty. Ru Kiln celadon is characterized by a thick body, a light blue glaze color, and superb craftsmanship.
Ge Kiln: Located in Longquan City, Zhejiang province, it was one of the five famous kilns during the Song dynasty. Ge Kiln celadon has a thick body, glaze surface with crackles, and exquisite decorations.
Yixing Zisha (Purple Sand): Located in Yixing City, Jiangsu province. Although not traditionally known for celadon, Yixing Zisha also produces celadon glazes. Yixing celadon has a greenish tinge and features unique Zisha characteristics.
how to date celadon pottery?
The dating of celadon ceramics can be determined through the following methods:
Body Texture: Different periods of celadon ceramics have distinct body textures. For example, celadon from the Warring States period may have a rougher body texture, while celadon from the Tang Dynasty tends to have a finer texture. Observing the body texture can help in determining the dating of the celadon.
Glaze Color: The glaze color of celadon ceramics also varies across different periods. For instance, celadon from the Warring States period may exhibit a greenish-yellow glaze color, while celadon from the Tang Dynasty may have a bluish-green glaze color. Observing the glaze color can provide valuable insights into the dating of the celadon.
Shape: The shapes of celadon ceramics differ across various periods. For example, celadon from the Han Dynasty may display simple and plain shapes, while celadon from the Tang Dynasty could feature more elaborate and exquisite forms. Examining the shapes can aid in determining the dating of the celadon.
Decoration: The decorative patterns of celadon ceramics also vary over time. For instance, celadon from the Han Dynasty may have simple decorations, while celadon from the Tang Dynasty might showcase intricate and complex designs. Analyzing the decorations can be useful in dating the celadon.
Kiln Origin: Different periods often saw celadon production concentrated in specific kilns with distinctive styles. For example, the Longquan Kiln during the Tang Dynasty, the Guan Kiln during the Song Dynasty, and the Longquan Kiln during the Ming Dynasty all had unique characteristics and styles. Identifying the kiln origin can provide clues to dating the celadon.
what does the Chinese celadon symbolizes?
Celadon is an essential part of Chinese ceramic culture, with profound symbolism and significance. Firstly, the “qing” in celadon refers to the color of nature, symbolizing noble virtues of “clarity, purity, and kindness.” This color has the power to cultivate people’s minds and fulfill the ultimate artistic mission of enlightenment. The clarity of celadon represents solemnity, joy, auspiciousness, and warmth, reflecting the positive Confucian ideology of being harmonious with the world. In traditional Chinese culture, the color “qing” holds mystical symbolism, representing both the sky, nature, and youth, hope, and vitality. The warmth and kindness of celadon represent excellent qualities in Chinese culture, encouraging humility, gentleness, and tolerance in daily life, while also reflecting noble character and taste.
The origin of celadon can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, while “guan yao” (crackled glaze ceramics) originated from the Yuan Dynasty. The combination of these two types of ceramics, celadon and “guan yao,” emerged during the Yuan Dynasty. The appearance of celadon with underglaze red combined the elegance of celadon with the warmth and mystery of “guan yao.” This perfect combination not only demonstrates the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese ceramics but also embodies the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.
The symbolism and significance of celadon are not only reflected in its color and shape but also in its historical and cultural connotations. The gentleness and subtlety of celadon can produce various shades of green glaze, embodying the natural beauty of tranquility, in accordance with Confucian thoughts of harmony and balance. At the same time, celadon holds a unique position and symbolism in Chinese culture. It is not only a vital part of traditional Chinese ceramic culture but also a representative of Chinese culture and art. In the context of global cultural exchanges, celadon is considered one of China’s treasures and is hailed as “the epitome of Eastern ceramic art.”
celadon pottery history
The history of celadon can be traced back to around 1600 BC, during the middle period of the Shang Dynasty. Celadon kiln sites have been discovered in places like Shaoxing and Yuyao in Zhejiang province, where early celadon works were fired as primitive celadon. With technological advancements, significant breakthroughs in celadon production occurred during the Han Dynasty. High-quality celadon pieces have been unearthed in the Han Dynasty ceramics found in Shangyu County, Zhejiang.
The Tang Dynasty marked the pinnacle of celadon’s development, with the emergence of two major systems: the Southern Celadon and Northern White. The Longquan kiln of the Yue kiln system belonged to the Southern Celadon, characterized by the predominant use of green glaze. The Song Dynasty witnessed the peak of celadon development, and the famous Longquan celadon system was established. Notable varieties include the Meiziqing celadon from the Northern Song period and the Fenqing celadon from the Southern Song period.
In the mid-Ming Dynasty and onwards, celadon tones gradually shifted towards subtle elegance, with thick and refined clay bodies and delicate glaze layers. The Longquan kiln, Dehua kiln, and Shiwan kiln in the Ming Dynasty produced celadon with exquisite texture, lustrous glaze, and simple shapes.
During the Qing Dynasty, blue-and-white porcelain widely adopted imported blue pigments, resulting in a more diverse color range. In the Kangxi period, new celadon glaze colors, such as Fenqing and Meiziqing, with delicate clay bodies and jade-like glaze, were created and referred to as “imitation Guan glaze.”
celadon timeline
Celadon, also known as greenware, is the earliest form of porcelain in China. It derives its name from the presence of a transparent or semi-transparent green glaze applied on the surface of the porcelain. The varying amount of iron oxide in the glaze and the different temperatures of the kiln’s internal flames during firing result in celadon pieces exhibiting shades ranging from light blue to greenish-yellow or even blue-green.
China began producing celadon as early as the Han Dynasty, but it was officially named during the Tang Dynasty. Before that, it was known as “piāo cí” (缥瓷) during the Jin Dynasty and “lǜ cí” (绿瓷) during the Sui Dynasty. Tang Dynasty’s Yue kiln celadon, celebrated for its resemblance to jade and ice, stood out among celadon varieties. During the Sui and Tang periods, the region around present-day Shaoxing, Shangyu, and Yuyao in Zhejiang Province, which was known as Yuezhou at the time, became the birthplace and the cradle of Chinese porcelain. During the Eastern Han period, people in this area were already able to produce porcelain that was dense, solid, non-porous, and made clear, crisp sounds when tapped, all achieved under high temperatures ranging from 1,220°C to 1,270°C.
Over the course of more than a thousand years from the Six Dynasties to the Song Dynasty, two peak periods in celadon production emerged. One was in the late Western Jin to early Eastern Jin period, and the other was during the late Tang to the Five Dynasties period. This gave rise to the two iconic categories in Chinese ceramics: the “Southern celadon” represented by Yue kilns in the south, and the “Northern white porcelain” represented by Xing kilns in the north.
During the Tang Dynasty, as the tea-drinking culture flourished, literati and scholars paid great attention to the shape and glaze color of tea cups. The celadon tea cups with the color of “jade-like and ice-like” from Yue kilns became the most popular tea vessels of that time. The craftsmanship of Yue kiln celadon was not only delicate in glazing but also vivid in its forms. In early Tang Dynasty celadon, the glaze surface dominated with “green merging into blue,” thus, there was little decoration. However, by the late Tang Dynasty, carving patterns appeared, featuring dragons, phoenixes, fish, cranes, parrots, butterflies, etc., and they were also printed, engraved, or carved. These designs featured concise lines and a lively, vivid appearance. Even the Qing Emperor Qianlong admired the celadon produced in Tang Dynasty with the remark, “Unmatched celadon in the world.”
During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the King of Wuyue in Zhejiang believed that green was a color bestowed by heaven. Hence, he referred to the local celadon as “mì sè cí” (秘色瓷) or “secret-colored porcelain” and declared that “secret-colored celadon” was only for imperial use. From then on, the finest celadon from Yue kilns, with its translucent and lustrous light lake green color that shimmered between blue and green, closely resembling white jade, was nicknamed “fake jade ware.”
In the Song Dynasty, famous kilns for celadon production included official kilns, Ge kilns, and Yaozhou kilns. During this period, Longquan celadon emerged as the dominant type. In Europe, Longquan celadon was referred to as “celadon” from a beautiful legend. In the early 17th century, French writer Honoré d’Urfé wrote a long novel called “L’Astrée,” which narrated a romantic love story between a shepherdess named Astree and a shepherd named Céladon. The character Céladon wore a beautiful green-colored dress and became a fashionable figure in Paris. Coincidentally, at that time, Chinese Longquan celadon reached France, and its emerald green color resembled Céladon’s dress, leading the French to affectionately name it “Céladon.” This name persists in Europe to this day.
In the Southern Song Dynasty, there was a rich variety of Longquan celadon, including dining utensils, tea sets, stationery, recreational items, daily necessities, decorations, and funerary objects. During this period, Longquan kilns were at the forefront of ceramic production in the country, known for their large scale and high-level craftsmanship. However, with the rise of polychrome porcelain from Jingdezhen in the mid-Ming Dynasty, Longquan celadon declined, and after the early Qing Dynasty, its production ceased completely.
It can be said that the invention of porcelain was a significant contribution of the Chinese nation to world civilization, and celadon is the earliest, most influential, and longest-lasting type of ceramics in the history of Chinese pottery. It represents an epoch-making masterpiece with remarkable significance.
celadon origin
Celadon originated during the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, where primitive celadon was already being fired. It further developed during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Yue Kiln, one of the earliest celadon kilns in ancient China, has a history dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty and reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty.
During the Tang Dynasty, kilns such as Yue Kiln, Longquan Kiln, Guan Kiln, Ru Kiln, and Yaozhou Kiln were part of the celadon kiln systems. The discovery of primitive celadon dates back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Numerous primitive celadon pieces and fragments have been unearthed in sites and tombs in various regions, including Zhengzhou, Anyang, Luoyang, Gong County, Yanshi in Henan; Gaocheng and Beijing in Hebei; Xi’an in Shaanxi; Yidu in Shandong; Tunxi in Anhui; Nanjing and Dantu in Jiangsu. These early celadon pieces, such as vases, bowls, plates, bottles, jars, and beans, already exhibited the characteristics of porcelain, but compared to later mature celadon, they were still relatively primitive, with larger pores, more impurities in the clay body, and less stable glaze colors, thus referred to as primitive celadon.
Celadon continued to evolve during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and a significant breakthrough occurred during the Eastern Han Dynasty. Eastern Han celadon pieces have been unearthed in tombs and sites in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Anhui, Hubei, Henan, Gansu, and other provinces. Excavations at the Xiaoxiantan kiln site in Shangyu, Zhejiang, and scientific analysis of its typical ceramic pieces showed that the iron content was lower than in primitive celadon, the body was light gray, the clay body was well-sintered, and the water absorption was as low as 0.16%. It was fired at a temperature of 1310°C in a dragon kiln, and the microscopic structure was similar to modern porcelain. The transparency was also relatively high, indicating that celadon production technology had matured during the Eastern Han period. As Zhejiang’s Shangyu area was the ancestral home of the ancient Yue people, under the jurisdiction of the Yue State during the Warring States period, and called Yuezhou during the Tang Dynasty, kilns in this area were collectively known as Yue Kilns. During the Three Kingdoms, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties periods, celadon firing became more widespread across the north and south, with a variety of kilns producing celadon with improved quality and distinctive characteristics in different regions. Southern celadon typically had a hard and fine clay body, appearing light gray with a crystal-clear and pure glaze, often described as resembling jade. Northern celadon had a thick clay body with a strong glassy texture, significant fluidity, fine and dense crackles on the glaze, and a green color with hints of yellow. A representative work of northern celadon is the lotus flower vase excavated from the tomb of the Northern Qi noble family in Jing County, Hebei.
who invented celadon?
Celadon is a significant category of ceramics in Chinese culture, admired for its soft color and hard texture, earning it the title of “the flower of porcelain.” Yue Kiln, located in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, is the progenitor of Chinese celadon and the first kiln system to produce celadon in China. The celadon from Yue Kiln not only holds substantial influence within China but also has a profound impact on the world’s ceramic craftsmanship. The unique production process of Yue Kiln celadon involves forming the body using materials like kaolin, quartz, and feldspar, followed by the application of celadon glaze and firing at high temperatures. The distinguishing features of Yue Kiln celadon include its fine clay body, even glaze, warm color, and stable vessel shapes, making it highly prized for its artistic value.
The history of Yue Kiln celadon spans an extensive period, beginning during the Eastern Han Dynasty, passing through the Three Kingdoms, the Jin Dynasty, and the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and reaching its pinnacle during the Tang Dynasty. Throughout this long history, the craft and artistic level of Yue Kiln celadon continually improved, marking an essential milestone in the ancient history of Chinese ceramics. The craftsmanship and artistic value of Yue Kiln celadon are not only treasures of Chinese civilization but also integral components of the world’s cultural heritage.
when was celadon pottery invented?
Celadon holds a significant position among the various ceramic varieties in Chinese culture, renowned for its soft color and sturdy texture, earning the title of “the flower of porcelain.” Yue Kiln is the progenitor of Chinese celadon, located in Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, and stands as the first kiln system in China to produce celadon. The unique crafting process of Yue Kiln celadon involves forming the body using materials like kaolin, quartz, and feldspar, followed by applying celadon glaze and firing at high temperatures. The distinguishing features of Yue Kiln celadon include its fine clay body, even glaze, warm color, and stable vessel shapes, contributing to its exceptional artistic value.
From the Shang and Zhou Dynasties through the development during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, culminating in the Tang Dynasty, the craftsmanship and artistic level of Yue Kiln celadon reached its peak. During this era, Yue Kiln celadon displayed delicate clay bodies, even glaze, warm colors, and stable vessel shapes, as well as intricate and ingenious designs that elicited admiration. Not only did it achieve a certain level of craftsmanship, but it also witnessed significant advancements in decorative techniques, such as incising, stamping, and carving, which were widely applied to Yue Kiln celadon.
Aside from its advancements in craftsmanship and artistic level, Yue Kiln celadon also left an important chapter in the history of Chinese ceramics. It is not only a treasure of Chinese ceramic art but also a gem of Chinese historical and cultural heritage. The invention and production of Yue Kiln celadon not only showcased the wisdom and creativity of ancient Chinese people but also laid a solid foundation for the development and prosperity of Chinese ceramic culture.
why was Celadon created?
Celadon is one of the traditional ceramic varieties in China, cherished for its unique color and texture. The process of firing celadon requires specific techniques and conditions, including selecting suitable clay materials, forming the body, applying glaze, and firing. During the firing process, it is essential to control the atmosphere and temperature inside the kiln to produce a certain amount of iron oxide in the body and glaze, resulting in celadon’s distinctive color.
The emergence of celadon is closely related to the firing process. To achieve the desired color tone, the atmosphere and temperature inside the kiln need to be carefully controlled to promote the generation of a proper amount of iron oxide in the body and glaze. Impurities in the clay or insufficient reduction atmosphere can lead to a yellow or brownish color tone. To achieve the desired effect, artisans continuously adjust parameters such as clay materials, atmosphere, and temperature during the production process, enabling them to fire high-quality celadon.
where was celadon invented?
Celadon, with a history of over 3,000 years, first appeared in the area around Shaoxing and Shangyu in Zhejiang province, China. It is one of the significant representatives of Chinese ceramic culture. Its history can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, but true celadon was produced during the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The celadon fired in the Yue Kiln during the Tang Dynasty featured a fine texture, warm color, thick glaze layer, and elegant shape, possessing high artistic value. Furthermore, celadon has gained international renown, with its unique glaze colors and exquisite forms captivating numerous ceramic enthusiasts and collectors. Today, celadon has become an iconic symbol of Chinese ceramics and stands as a representative of traditional Chinese culture and art.
why was celadon important?
Celadon holds a crucial position in Chinese ceramic culture, and its significance is manifested in several aspects:
- Celadon is an integral part of Chinese ceramic culture, serving as a vital representative due to its unique historical, cultural, and artistic value.
- The production process and artistic level of celadon are highly sophisticated. Mastering the complex techniques involved in celadon-making, such as material preparation, glaze colors, shaping, and firing, requires advanced craftsmanship and skills.
- Celadon exerts a wide social influence. Not only is it an art form, but it also symbolizes the traditions and history of Chinese culture. The production techniques and artistic value of celadon have had a profound impact on Chinese ceramic culture and the world’s ceramic craftsmanship.
why is celadon pottery so popular?
The popularity of celadon can be attributed to several reasons:
- Celadon possesses unique aesthetic value. With its lush green color and lustrous texture, celadon evokes a sense of freshness, elegance, and mystique, making it highly valued for its artistic appeal.
- Celadon embodies rich cultural significance. The continuity and evolution of celadon-making techniques represent the development of Chinese ceramic culture and serve as a material manifestation of ancient Chinese culture, art, and technology, thus carrying profound cultural connotations.
- Celadon finds diverse applications. Apart from being appreciated as an art form, celadon is also used as practical tableware and tea sets, demonstrating its versatile utility in various fields.
- Celadon showcases exquisite craftsmanship. The production process of celadon involves intricate steps like material preparation, shaping, glazing, and firing, demanding exceptional craftsmanship and expertise, making it a highly skilled art form.
why is Celadon green?
The reason why celadon is green is because a suitable amount of copper element is used as a coloring agent during the firing process, generating copper oxide, which gives rise to the green glaze. Additionally, the green color of celadon is also influenced by factors such as the composition of the ceramic body, firing temperature, and thickness of the glaze layer. Generally, the presence of a certain amount of iron and titanium elements in the ceramic body, firing at around 1200°C, and an appropriate glaze layer thickness will facilitate the formation of the green color in celadon. In ancient times, the production technology of celadon was already highly sophisticated, and the hue and luster of its green glaze were continuously improved and innovated with the advancement of techniques, resulting in a more diverse and refined green color in celadon.
celadon green vs sage green
Celadon green and sage green are both shades of green, but they have distinct characteristics and differences in their appearance.
Celadon Green:
Celadon green is a soft, pale, and subtle shade of green.
It is often associated with the color of traditional celadon ceramics, which have a distinctive green glaze.
Celadon green is a cool-toned green with a slight bluish tint.
The color gets its name from the ancient Chinese ceramic glaze called “celadon,” which produces a soft green color.
Sage Green:
Sage green is a grayish-green color with a touch of warmth.
It is a more muted and subdued green compared to brighter shades of green.
Sage green often has a slight gray or brown undertone, giving it a more earthy and organic feel.
The name “sage green” is derived from the color of the leaves of the sage plant, which have a similar grayish-green hue.
Celadon and white porcelain
Celadon is one of the major categories of traditional Chinese ceramics, renowned for its unique color and firm texture, earning it the title of the “flower of porcelain.” The discovery of celadon dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), during which early ceramic wares appeared. By the Jin Dynasty (265–419 AD), ceramic wares had become quite exquisite. Celadon can be considered the pioneer of Chinese ceramics. What is celadon? It is a type of porcelain that acquires its green or yellow color (depending on the nature of the flame during firing) due to the presence of iron oxide in the glaze.
Ancient Chinese people described the extraordinary beauty of this glaze color using the phrase “After the rain, the sky is blue and the clouds part, presenting this color in the future.” Renowned works of the “Cai Kiln” not only possess beautiful glaze colors but also distinctive qualities described in ancient texts as “blue like the sky, bright as a mirror, thin as paper, and resonant as a stone.” “Blue like the sky” refers to the glaze color; “bright as a mirror” denotes the glaze’s brightness; “thin as paper” describes the thinness of the ceramic body; and “resonant as a stone” highlights the solid and dense structure of the body. Although no physical specimens with all these qualities have been discovered to date, archaeological findings of ancient ceramics indicate that most porcelain items in China before the Yuan Dynasty were either blue or close to blue in color. As the source of the blue color is the blue glaze, these items are referred to as “blue-glazed ware.” When the ceramic body is relatively dense and meets the criteria for “porcelain,” it is called “celadon.” The history of celadon production in China spans over a thousand years, from the Eastern Han Dynasty until the early Qing Dynasty. Various kilns across the country specialized in producing celadon, with famous ones like the Yue Kiln, Ou Kiln, Longquan Kiln in the southern regions, and the Ru Kiln in Linru County, Henan, the Northern Song Official Kiln in Kaifeng, and the Yaozhou Kiln in Tongchuan, Shaanxi, in the northern regions.
So, why did celadon appear before white porcelain in China? This was mainly due to the ancient ceramic raw materials and technology. To fire pure white porcelain, suitable porcelain clay, especially with low iron content, is essential. However, due to geographical limitations and technological backwardness in ancient times, people had to use locally available raw materials with higher iron content to make ceramics. Through extensive practice, they discovered that ceramics made from such clay could still be incredibly attractive. The key lies in the firing process. In an oxidizing flame, ceramics would turn into a light yellow color. However, in a reducing flame, the color of the glaze would deepen as the reduction effect intensified. Carbon monoxide, a reducing gas, can reduce most of the iron oxide in the glaze to iron oxide. As a result, the glaze exhibits a beautiful blue color. The poet Lu Guimeng of the Tang Dynasty once praised the celadon of the Yue Kiln with the line, “In the ninth autumn, after the rain, the Yue Kiln opens, and it acquires the emerald color of a thousand mountains.”
Now, let’s address the question of whether white porcelain or celadon came first. Celadon appeared as early as the late Eastern Han Dynasty, while the earliest discovered white porcelain was from the Northern Qi Dynasty, found in the tomb of Fan Cui in Anyang, Henan. White porcelain emerged approximately 400 years later than celadon. Therefore, it is evident that celadon preceded white porcelain in China.
The relatively late emergence of white porcelain can be attributed to the belief that the raw materials for firing it were less accessible than those for celadon. Additionally, the production process for white porcelain was more complicated and challenging than that for celadon. The raw materials for firing celadon had higher iron content compared to those needed for white porcelain. Consequently, when fired under a high-temperature reducing flame, celadon exhibited its characteristic blue color. However, ancient potters found it challenging to control the process of removing iron from the raw materials. As a result, firing low-iron white porcelain became even more challenging.
what is celadon green?
Celadon green is a specific shade of green that is often associated with the color of traditional celadon ceramics. It is a soft, pale, and subtle green with a cool-toned appearance, having a slight bluish tint. The name “celadon” comes from the ancient Chinese ceramic glaze of the same name, which produces this distinctive green color.
Celadon ceramics have a long history and are known for their delicate beauty and elegant appearance. The celadon glaze is typically applied to porcelain or stoneware and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a glassy and transparent finish. The glaze’s coloration comes from the presence of iron oxide in the clay and other elements in the firing process, which contributes to the soft green hue.
Celadon green is often associated with tranquility and sophistication, and it has been used for centuries in various art forms, pottery, and decorative items. It is a popular color choice in interior design, as it can create a serene and calming atmosphere. Additionally, celadon green is utilized in fashion, textiles, and other creative fields due to its timeless and versatile appeal.
what is celadonite
Celadonite is a member of the mica group minerals, belonging to the phyllosilicate class. Its chemical formula is K(Mg,Fe^2+)(Fe^3+,Al)Si4O102. This mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is often found in massive aggregates of prismatic crystallites or in dull clay masses. It exhibits a softness with a Mohs hardness of 2 and has a specific gravity of 3. Celadonite typically occurs as dull gray-green to bluish green masses and is commonly found as vesicle fillings and linings in altered basaltic lavas.
Research suggests that celadonite has associations with weakly metamorphosed plutonic rocks during its formation. Additionally, it is often found in the presence of montmorillonite clays or zeolite crystals, which may indicate similar underlying conditions of crystal growth for these minerals.
The mineral was first described in 1847 near Verona, Italy, on Monte Baldo. The name “celadonite” is derived from the French word “celadon,” which means sea-green. Celadonite, along with glauconite, is used in the production of the pigment known as green earth.
Common impurities found in celadonite include manganese, calcium, and sodium (formerly known as natrium). The presence of these impurities may result in variations in the mineral’s color and other properties.
Overall, celadonite is a significant mineral with interesting geological associations and plays a role in the creation of the green earth pigment used in various applications.
Overall, celadon is an essential type of traditional Chinese porcelain, revered not only for its exceptional artistic value but also as a vital part of ancient Chinese culture. The exquisite craftsmanship, unique forms, and beautiful color of celadon make it a brilliant gem in China’s rich heritage. Today, we should cherish and protect this cultural legacy, ensuring its better presentation and preservation in our lives.
References:
[1] Li Ziyong. “A History of Celadon.” Beijing: China Publishing Group, 2018.
[2] Chen Yinke, Feng Xianming. “History of Chinese Ceramics.” Beijing: Cultural Relics Publishing House, 2016.
