{"id":15775,"date":"2026-05-21T03:48:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T03:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/handmyth.com\/from-the-workshop-celadon-pottery-glaze-types-up-close\/"},"modified":"2026-05-21T03:48:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T03:48:01","slug":"from-the-workshop-celadon-pottery-glaze-types-up-close","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/handmyth.com\/pt\/from-the-workshop-celadon-pottery-glaze-types-up-close\/","title":{"rendered":"Da oficina - tipos de esmalte de cer\u00e2mica celadon de perto"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When I first held a Song dynasty celadon bowl in a Taipei studio, I thought, \u201cThis is just green.\u201d But as the light shifted, I saw a blue-gray shadow\u2014a depth that no standard glaze could fake. That moment killed my ignorance. Celadon isn\u2019t one glaze; it\u2019s a family of oxide-driven surprises. And in 2026, with a wave of young potters reviving ancient recipes on Instagram and Etsy, understanding these types is the difference between buying a tourist trinket and a piece with soul.<\/p>\n

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What exactly is celadon glaze made of?<\/h2>\n

Celadon glaze is a high-fired, iron-oxide-based glaze fired in a reduction kiln\u2014meaning oxygen is limited during firing. The iron (typically 1\u20133% of the glaze recipe) reacts with carbon monoxide to produce a range of colors from pale blue-gray to deep olive green. The key chemical: ferrous oxide (FeO) versus ferric oxide (Fe\u2082O\u2083). Reduction converts ferric to ferrous, creating the signature jade tones. Without reduction, the glaze turns brown or yellow. Chinese Longquan celadons often use local feldspar, limestone, and wood ash as base materials.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

Jade-Like Longquan Celadon: The Benchmark<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve seen a celadon vase that looks like carved jade, you\u2019ve met Longquan celadon. This Chinese type\u2014named after the Zhejiang kilns\u2014is the gold standard. It\u2019s thick, translucent, and often crackle-free (though some pieces have a deliberate \u201ccrab claw\u201d pattern). The glaze is applied in multiple layers, then fired at many\u2013many\u00b0C. I bought a Longquan-style cup from a Jingdezhen potter last year; its surface felt like warm soap. The secret? A recipe of quartz, feldspar, and plant ash, with iron content below 2%. When buyers ask me \u201cIs celadon always green?\u201d I hand them a Longquan piece\u2014it\u2019s blue-gray in shade, green only under direct sun. For a gift, a Longquan lidded jar or a tea set is a classic choice; it elevates any shelf. Beginners often pick a small bowl first, to see how the glaze shifts with different lighting throughout the day.<\/p>\n

Korean Goryeo Celadon: Iron Spots and Inlay<\/h2>\n

Korean Goryeo celadon (many\u2013many) took a different road. Instead of pure jade, Goryeo potters embraced imperfections: iron-spot glazes (where iron oxide accumulates in droplets) and sanggam<\/em> inlay (white or black slip carved into the body). The glaze itself is thinner and more transparent than Longquan, revealing the clay beneath. I own a reproduction Goryeo bottle with pinprick iron spots\u2014each one is a tiny kiln accident that became a feature. For collectors, the presence of iron spots or inlay is a mark of Korean origin, not a flaw. If you see a celadon with deliberate black-and-white patterns, you\u2019re likely looking at a modern homage to Goryeo. These pieces work beautifully as d\u00e9cor\u2014a Goryeo-style vase with a single branch of cherry blossoms creates a focal point in any room. When gifting, a celadon bottle with iron spots feels artistic and unique; it tells a story of tradition.<\/p>\n

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How do I choose a celadon glaze for my first pottery purchase?<\/h2>\n

First, decide your purpose: display or daily use? For display, Longquan celadon with a thick, jade-green glaze shows off color depth. Avoid pieces with uneven thickness\u2014thin edges look gray and weak. For functional ware (teacups, bowls), choose a celadon with a glaze hardness rating of 5 or above (Mohs scale) to avoid scratching. Ask the seller: \u201cIs this reduction-fired or oxidation-fired?\u201d Reduction-fired celadon has richer, bluer tones; oxidation-fired pieces look more yellow-brown. Finally, check the foot rim\u2014un-glazed foot means traditional high-firing; glazed foot (modern) may chip easier. For a gift, consider a celadon tea set; it\u2019s practical and elegant. Beginners often underestimate how important the firing method is; a simple question can save you from a disappointing purchase.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

The Underrated Glaze Type: Celadon with Ash<\/h2>\n

Most buyers ignore wood-ash celadon\u2014and that\u2019s a mistake. Adding plant ash (from oak, pine, or rice straw) introduces phosphorus and magnesia, which create a matte, opaque finish. The result: a celadon that looks like weathered stone. I visited a Kyoto potter public health institutions uses bamboo ash; his bowls have a soft, powdery surface that absorbs finger oils over time, turning slightly darker. This is the opposite of glossy Longquan. Ash celadon is harder to find, but it\u2019s worth hunting for. If you see \u201cceladon matte\u201d in a listing, ask for the ash source\u2014it tells you whether it\u2019s traditional or just a silica shortage. These pieces are perfect for those public health institutions appreciate texture; they work well as a centerpiece or a daily-use bowl that ages gracefully. For a gift, an ash celadon bowl feels intimate and personal, as it will change with use.<\/p>\n

Celadon Glaze Types: A Quick Taxonomy<\/h2>\n