Proto-celadon
Proto-celadon (Chinese: 灰釉陶, also 原始青瓷) was a type of Chinese ceramic which developed during the Shang period and Western Han periods. It is often qualified as "proto-porcelain", and was usually adorned with a light yellowish green glaze.[1]
The body of proto-celadon was made of porcelain clay, with an iron content below 3%.[2] Firing temperature was around 1200 degreed Celsius. Surface treatment consisted in a lime glaze.[2] The type of objects manufactured in proto-celadon were similar to the objects manufactured in bronze.[1]
During the Shang and Zhou periods, proto-celadon was mainly produced in the areas south of the Yangtze river.[2] Following this period, production greatly improved in quantity and quality.[2]
Inception of true celadon
From the Eastern Han period, true celadon ware (Chinese: 成熟青瓷) started to appear, with production focused on the Zhejiang Province.[1] Although still following the shapes and patterns of proto-celadon wares, these advances now represented the characteristics of true porcelain, with refined and pure clays and correct firing temperatures.[1]
These advances would be followed by those of the Yue ware, and the blooming of celadon production from the period of the Song dynasty.[1]
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Celadon Lian bowl with Buddhist figures, Western Jin, 265-317 CE.
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Celadon jar, Eastern Jin, 317-420 CE.
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Celadon jar with brown spots, Eastern Jin, 317-420 CE.
Notes
External links
- A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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