Micro‐structural study of crystals and glassy matrix of black glazed wares from Jian kilns, China (Song Dynasty, AD 960–1279)

Abstract

AbstractBlack glazed wares (Wujin wares) and hare fur's decorated black glazed wares (HF wares) are ones of typical production of Jian kilns, China during Song Dynasty. In this work, Wujin wares and HF wares excavated in Jian kiln complex (Yulinting kilns, Daluhoumen kilns and Luhuaping kilns) were systematically analyzed by optical microscope, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the index of glassy polymerization (Ip) of Wujin wares is smaller than black areas of HF wares, indicating the higher firing temperature used for HF wares. Several pseudobrookite, rutile, hematite and quartz crystals were detected in glazes of Wujin wares while a great number of ɛ‐Fe2O3 crystals was observed in brown stripes of HF wares. Besides, wares in different kiln sites present obviously differences in bubble distribution and glassy structure, indicating a lower firing temperature used for Yulinting kilns than those of Daluhoumen kilns and Luhuaping kilns.