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Early porcelain (celadon)

Type Object Region China Time c. 1–500

Early celadon fired in southern kilns such as Yue kiln from the Eastern Han to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, fired above 1200°C, laying the te…

Timeline

  1. c. 1–100Northern Zhejiang · ZhejiangSouthern kilns raised firing temperatures and glaze control based on proto-porcelain, improving body-glaze bonding, producing celadon-glazed wares approaching mature porcelain, still bearing some earthenware characteristics.
  2. c. 100–220Xiaoxiantan kiln, Shangyu · ZhejiangEastern Han celadon has fine bodies, even glaze, and a clear ringing sound when struck; scholars generally regard it as the birth of China's mature porcelain; forms are mainly daily wares such as bowls, jars, ewers, and basins.
  3. c. 220–400Kiln districts of Jiangsu and Zhejiang · ChinaYue kiln sites multiplied and celadon output rose, with glaze colors from grey-green to blue-green and incised decoration appearing; celadon became an important source of daily wares for Jiangnan gentry and temples.
  4. c. 400–500Southern porcelain kiln belt · ChinaDuring the Northern and Southern Dynasties, celadon forms and glaze colors became more diverse, Buddhist ritual wares such as lotus vases flourished, the north also began firing celadon influenced by the south, and the technology spread to the Korean Peninsula.

Sources