CHINESE CERAMICS (CELADONS)

Chinese celadons (greenware) are among my favourite pieces. They are usually plain yet exquisite and so pleasing to behold. Some have incised peony, chrysanthemum flowers, lotus patterns or applique of fish or phoenix. The zenith of quality celadon production was during the Song Dynasty (10-12c) and the most famous kiln site was in Longquan.

After applying a green glaze, the piece is high fired in the kiln through an oxygen reduction process. If oxygen gets in, it will turn out into golden or brown instead of the beautiful sought after green. Moreover, if the firing is not regulated precisely (think its 1200 degree celsius) the outcome is stoneware rather than porcelain celadons.

The highest quality ceramics made for the emperor or officials are today known as imperial or official ware. Collectors pay a fortune for them. The only one I have is seen in the first photo, a bluish green (called mystic green) dish. I bought it in Jakarta over a quarter century ago. The earlier provenance is unknown but was probably a royal gift to a local dignitary. There were increasing trade during this period with SE Asia and among the items were chinese exportware ceramics, including celadons.

"Chinese Celadons and other related wares in Southeast Asia" compiled by the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society and published by Arts Orientalis Singapore provides photos and information on the subject.

            

cc18 exquisite blugrn celadon dish officialware 21.4x5.1cm Song 11c	cc13 jarlet ovoid lotus deco celadon 8.6x8cm song 11c purchased in Cambodia
cc15 dish fluted crysan celadon 30x5.8cm yuan 14C	cc01 jarlet globular 2ring celadon 10x12cm yuan 13c
cc17 dish 2phoenix celadon 24x6cm yuan 13-14c	cc04 jarlet peonies celadon 8.3x8cm yuan 13-14c
cc16 dish foliated floral celadon celadon 26.5x4.6cm 16-17c	cc02 jarlet dragon 2ring celadon 10.5x9cm ming 14-15c
cc19 dish phoenix goldceladon 18.7x3.5cm song 10-12c	cc07 jarlet celadon 6.5x7.7cm song 11-12c
cc23 dish 2fish celadon 12.5x4cm ssong 11-12c	cc09 jarlet crazed celadon 6x7.5cm song 12c
cc20 dish fluted lotus celadon 14.5x3.6cm song 10-12c	cc14 teapot lotus deco celadon 9x14 ching 18c
cc30 bowl lianzi lotuspod phoenix celadon 17x6.3cm ssong 11c	cc05 jarlet dragon goldceladon 7.5x8cm yuan 13c
cc29 bowl lianzi lotuspod celadon 17.2x7.5cm yuan 13c	cc06 jarlet goldceladon 7x8cm yuan 13-14c
cc32 bowl yingyang celadon 15x7.3cm song 11-12c	cc08 jarlet goldceladon 6.2x7.7cm song 12c
cc21 dish deep crazed olive 13.7x5cm song 12-13c	cc11 jarlet celadon brn patches 5.5x5.6cm changsa-type
cc28 bowl 4lotus flowers celadon 18.6x7.5cm song 12-13c	cc12 jarlet squat celadon 4x5.5cm song 12c
cc24 dish celadon 12x3.8cm 12-13c	cc31 bowl celadon 16.2x6.8cm yuan 13-14c