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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Jun ware, a distinctive Song Dynasty ceramic style, is known for its thick, opalescent glazes in a range of colors, achieved through carefully controlled firing processes, often exhibiting dramatic and unpredictable visual effects.
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.
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 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.