As an important part of human civilization, ceramic art has a long history and a long history. From ancient times to the present, ceramics are not only a necessity in daily life, but also a carrier of cultural exchange and inheritance. This article will reveal the common sense of pottery from three aspects, and take you to explore the unknown corners of ceramic history.
1. The origin and development of ceramics.
1.Origin: The creation of ceramics, which marked the transition of mankind from the Neolithic to a civilized society. The earliest pottery appeared about 10,000 years ago in the early Neolithic period, when people began experimenting with making utensils from clay and hardening them by fire to meet the basic needs of daily life. Most of these original pottery were handmade, with simple forms and simple decorations.
2.Development: Over time, ceramic technology has gradually developed and improved. In the Eastern Han Dynasty of China, high-temperature firing celadon appeared, and its glaze color was like jade, thin and translucent, marking a major breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing technology. During the Tang and Song dynasties, ceramic art reached its peak, not only with exquisite technology and a wide variety of types, but also with high achievements in artistic expression. In the Song Dynasty, the Ding kiln, the Ge kiln, the official kiln, the Jun kiln and the Ru kiln were known as the "five famous kilns", and their products were known for their exquisiteness and are still cherished by the world.
3.Spread: The development of ceramic art is not limited to China, it also spread to other parts of Asia with the Silk Road, and even as far as Europe and Africa. In the Middle Ages, Chinese porcelain was seen as a precious commodity and a status symbol, sparking a "porcelain craze" in Europe. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Europe began experimenting with its own porcelain, most notably Mason porcelain from Germany and Sèvres porcelain from France.
Second, the classification and characteristics of ceramics.
1.Classification according to firing temperature: ceramics can be divided into low-temperature ceramics, medium-temperature ceramics and high-temperature ceramics according to the different firing temperatures. Low-temperature ceramics (about 800-1000) have a soft texture and high water absorptionMedium temperature ceramics (about 1100-1200) have moderate hardness and low water absorptionHigh-temperature ceramics (ca. 1200-1400) are hard and have very low water absorption, such as porcelain.
2.Classification according to the type of products: Ceramics can also be classified according to the type of products, such as domestic porcelain, art porcelain, architectural porcelain, industrial porcelain, etc. Household porcelain includes daily use of dishes, cups, pots, etc.;Art porcelain pays more attention to aesthetic value, including porcelain carving, porcelain painting, etc.;Architectural porcelain is mainly used for architectural decoration, such as ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, etc.; Industrial porcelain is widely used in electronics, chemical industry, aviation and other fields.
3. Ceramic production process.
1.Shaping: The first step in ceramic production is shaping, and the common shaping methods include manual blank drawing, wheel making, mold molding, etc. Each method has its own unique characteristics and scope of application, which enables the production of different styles and forms of ceramic vessels.
2.Drying & Glazing: Once the shaping is complete, the pottery needs to be dried to remove the moisture from it before glazing. The choice of glaze and glazing technique directly affect the appearance and texture of the finished product. The glaze color is rich and colorful, and some can also show peculiar changes at high temperatures, adding to the artistic effect of ceramics.
3.Firing: The last step is firing, which is the most critical part of ceramic making. The control of the firing temperature and holding time has a decisive influence on the quality of the finished product. Different firing conditions can make ceramics present different textures and colors.
The charm of ceramic art lies in the fact that it integrates human wisdom and natural beauty, and each ceramic work carries a heavy historical culture and the painstaking efforts of craftsmen. By understanding the origin, development, classification characteristics and production process of ceramics, we can not only appreciate the unique charm of ceramic art, but also deeply understand the important position of ceramics in the process of human civilization. I hope this article can stimulate your interest in the history and culture of ceramics, and explore more unknown corners.