The Delicate Beauty of Ru Ware Porcelain
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Ru ware, produced for a short period during the late Northern Song Dynasty, is among the rarest and most highly valued of all Chinese ceramics. Known for their delicate bluish-green celadon glaze, often described as the color of "sky after rain," Ru ware pieces are celebrated for their understated elegance, simple forms, and subtle crackle patterns. They are highly sought after by collectors and admired for their timeless beauty.  The creation of Ru ware was a complex process that involved the selection of fine-grained clay, the application of a lustrous, opalescent glaze, and precise firing techniques. Ru ware pieces often have very small bases, usually defined by small spur marks from the firing process.  The forms of Ru ware are often simple, functional shapes, such as small bowls, dishes, and brush washers. The emphasis was placed on the beauty of the glaze rather than on excessive decoration. Decoration, if present, is very subtle and restrained.  The distinctive crackle patterns, known as “ice crackles”, are a result of the difference in expansion rates between the glaze and the clay body. The crackle patterns were a key element of the aesthetics of Ru ware, with a high value placed on the resulting patterns. Ru ware’s beauty and rarity make it one of the most highly sought-after and admired of all Chinese ceramics. Its enduring appeal is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of Song potters and the continued desire for elegance and simplicity in ceramics. |
Tag : Ru ware, Song Dynasty porcelain, Chinese rare pottery, celadon glaze, ice crackle glaze
Related information
- The Beauty of Celadon: Longquan and Beyond
- The Role of Kilns in Song Ceramic Production
- Blackwares of the Song Dynasty: Jian and Beyond
- Jun Ware: A Splash of Color in the Song Dynasty
- The Dark Beauty of Jian Ware Tea Bowls
Celadon, a jade-like green glazed ceramic, is a hallmark of Song Dynasty pottery, especially Longquan celadon, known for its pure color, smooth texture, and elegant forms, and also includes distinctive styles like that of Yaozhou.
The technological advancements in kiln construction and firing techniques during the Song Dynasty were crucial to the high quality and wide variety of ceramic wares produced during the period. The use of specific kilns was essential to the production of the unique and desirable pieces that are a hallmark of the Song era.
Song Dynasty blackwares, including Jian and Jizhou, feature diverse and artistic dark glazes like "hare's fur," “oil spot,” and decorative techniques, showcasing the range and creativity of Song potters.
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.
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.