Ru Kiln Porcelain

Timeline

1. c. 1061–1070Kiln sites around Qingliangsi, Ruzhou · QingliangsiIn the mid-Northern Song, folk celadon production around Ruzhou developed markedly, with kiln sites at Qingliangsi in Baofeng and Zhanggongxiang in Ruyang. Quality body-glaze formulas and firing techniques were mastered, laying the foundation for later imperial commissions, though not yet part of the official kiln system.
2. c. 1086–1106Northern Song court and Ruzhou kilns · Northern SongAfter c.1086, Ru kiln was designated imperial porcelain for the Northern Song court, products reserved for the royal family with private firing banned. The court set up kilns in Ruzhou, valuing 'agate within, sky-blue without', with very low output and extremely strict standards; rejects were smashed and buried on site.
3. c. 1086–1125Ruzhou kilns · BaofengRu porcelain is famed for sky-blue glaze with agate powder mixed into the glaze and fine crackle patterns. Foot-wrapping support firing left tiny support-nail marks at the base, colloquially 'sesame nails'. Fine bodies and elegant, restrained forms—mainly plates, bowls, washers, vases, and zun—embody Song minimalism.