The Dark Beauty of Jian Ware Tea Bowls
 Jian ware tea bowls, produced in the kilns of Jianyang (modern-day Fujian province), are among the most revered ceramics of the Song Dynasty. Characterized by their dark, often black, glazes, often displaying a unique "hare's fur" or "oil spot" effect, Jian ware tea bowls were particularly prized by Zen Buddhist monks and tea connoisseurs for their aesthetic and functional qualities. The dark hues and varied patterning made them ideal for showcasing the light colour of the tea itself.  The creation of Jian ware tea bowls was a complex process involving meticulous attention to detail and precise firing control. The high iron content of the clay and glaze, combined with a reduction atmosphere in the kiln, resulted in the deep, dark colors and the unique textural patterns. The firing process was essential to creating the unique colour and patterns of these pieces.  The most famous Jian glazes are the "hare's fur" glaze, with its delicate streaks and lines, and the "oil spot" glaze, with its iridescent dots and speckles, the resulting effect was of a natural, almost mineral-like appearance, which was highly prized by tea practitioners. Jian ware tea bowls were not just valued for their beauty, they were also praised for their functional properties. Their thick walls and heat-retentive properties made them ideal for whisking and serving tea. The functionality of the pieces made them especially desirable for the growing tea culture of the time. The enduring legacy of Jian ware tea bowls can be seen in the continued fascination they hold for collectors and tea enthusiasts, and their enduring popularity has led to continued research and exploration of these technically demanding and visually striking pieces. |
Tag : Jian ware, Song Dynasty tea bowls, black glaze pottery, hare's fur glaze, Chinese tea ceremony
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Jun ware, produced in kilns in Henan province, is distinguished by its vibrant, opalescent glazes, which range in color from sky blue to lavender, crimson, and even deep purple. Unlike the more restrained celadons and monochromes of the Song Dynasty, Jun ware is known for its dramatic splashes of color and bold, expressive forms. The vibrant colour palette makes them stand out from the more muted forms of Song Dynasty pottery.
While Song ceramics are often celebrated for their rare and exquisite pieces made for the imperial court, a wealth of utilitarian wares were also produced for everyday use. These pieces, while perhaps less elaborate than court ceramics, exhibit a refined sense of beauty and practicality, demonstrating the ubiquitous presence of ceramics in Song Dynasty life. These pieces are an important window into everyday life during this period.
Guan ware and Ge ware, both associated with the Southern Song Dynasty, are known for their distinctive crackled glazes, which were caused by the different contraction rates of the glaze and the ceramic body. These wares, which are also often referred to as “crackled ware”, exhibit a wide variety of crackle patterns, from fine “fish roe” patterns to more pronounced “ice crackle” patterns.
Song Dynasty kilns, such as those in Longquan, Ding, Jun, and Jian, were centers of experimentation and artistic innovation, advancing kiln technology, glaze effects, and the training of potters, leading to a diversity of high-quality ceramic styles.
Ding ware, a highly prized Song Dynasty white porcelain, is known for its fine, thin body, smooth ivory-white glaze, and delicately carved or impressed designs, embodying the Song preference for simple elegance and refined craftsmanship.