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
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- The Simplicity and Elegance of Song Celadons
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- The Dark Beauty of Jian Ware Tea Bowls
- Song Dynasty Ceramics and the Tea Ceremony
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.
The Song Dynasty is often regarded as the golden age of Chinese ceramics, and Song celadon stands as a pinnacle of ceramic artistry. Characterized by its subtle green hues, ranging from pale jade to deep olive, Song celadon is celebrated for its elegant forms, smooth glazes, and understated decoration. Unlike the vibrant, multi-colored wares of the preceding Tang Dynasty, Song celadons embraced simplicity and a harmonious balance between form and glaze. The focus shifted to the intrinsic beauty of the material and the nuanced shades achieved through masterful kiln firing.
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.
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 Song Dynasty saw the flourishing of tea culture, and ceramics played a central role in the rituals and practices surrounding tea consumption. Specific types of tea bowls, teapots, and other tea wares were developed to enhance the tea-drinking experience. The ritualistic elements of tea consumption made the ceramic pieces important elements of daily life in the Song period.