Tracing the origin of Chinese early white porcelain in the late sixth century—evidence from Xing kiln

Abstract

As the criterion used by archaeologists for determining early white porcelain is quite ambiguous, the origin of Chinese white porcelain remains a point of disagreement. In this study, we systematically investigate 61 typical Xing porcelains of the late Northern dynasties to the early Sui dynasty (550-600 CE) using spectrophotometer, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and analyze the differences between early white porcelain and celadon of Xing kiln in terms of their whiteness and raw materials characteristic. The results show that early white porcelain is a new type of ware that differs from celadon, which can be distinguished by whiteness, with a whiteness greater than 8% being early white porcelain and a whiteness less than 8% being celadon. It is assumed that the ancient potters created the whiter wares based on celadon by improving the glaze and selecting new raw materials for the body, but the production of this type of ware was short lived and subsequently refined in the Sui dynasty (581-618 CE) owing to the limited improvement in whiteness.

Scientific analyses of white porcelains unearthed in Xi’an (Tang Dynasty, AD 618–907)

“…In this work, the chemical composition, micromorphology, and glaze color of archaeological white porcelain samples were systemically analyzed and compared with standard white fragments from Gongyi kilns (Henan Province) and Xing kilns (Hebei Province) by a series of analytical techniques including ultra-depth of field microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and visible spectrophotometer. 18) Based on the results, the fragments from Xi'an city were classified in terms of microstructure, chemical composition, and glaze color. Besides, the information of raw materials and firing process of white porcelains of Xing kilns and Gongyi kilns was also discussed.…”