Longquan Celadon Firing System

Timeline

1. 1161–1163Longquan Dayao kiln site · LongquanBy the early Southern Song, Longquan kilns had switched from high-calcium transparent glaze to calcium-potassium opalescent glaze, raised firing temperatures, and created thick jade-like glazes such as powder-blue and plum-green, with dense grey-white bodies, using saggars and pad-firing techniques.
2. 1162–1166Longquan Liutian kiln district · LongquanAccording to Ming sources and archaeological research, Zhang Shengyi mainly fired black-bodied Ge ware (purple mouths, iron feet, crackle patterns), while Zhang Sheng'er mainly fired white-bodied Di ware (powder-blue, plum-green thick glazes), forming two parallel firing lines within one kiln system, with fine pieces often presented to the court.
3. 1165–1168Longquan Jincun, Xikou, and other kiln site groups · LongquanIn this period Longquan celadon decoration shifted from early incised lines to the 'half-knife clay' carving technique, with common lotus-petal, peony, and children-at-play motifs, plus molded and appliqué decoration; products were sold far across East and Southeast Asia by sea.
4. 1169–1170Longquan County, Chuzhou · LongquanBy the end of the Qiandao era, Longquan kilns centered on Liutian Dayao had expanded outward to Anfu, Dabaian, and other places, becoming one of the country's largest porcelain centers, with a firing system covering standardized production from raw-material preparation, forming, glazing, to loading and firing.