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
- Song Dynasty Ceramics and the Tea Ceremony
- The Influence of Tea Culture on Song Ceramics
- The Elegance of Guan Ware and Ge Ware Crackle Glazes
- The Role of Kilns in Song Ceramic Production
- Decorative Techniques in Song Ceramics
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.
Song Dynasty tea culture had a profound impact on ceramics, leading to the creation of specialized tea bowls like Jian ware with unique glazes and forms, reflecting the period’s emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and mindfulness.
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.
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 ceramics employed various subtle decorative techniques like carving, incising, molding, and impressing, adding texture and visual interest while allowing the simple forms and glazes to remain the focus.