Born during China's Song Dynasty, Ru ware emerged around 1086 CE and was produced for an astonishingly brief period—just 20 years.
Created exclusively for the Imperial Court in Henan province, these elegant vessels represent the pinnacle of ceramic artistry.
When Song Emperor Huizong became dissatisfied with the rough rims of traditional Dingzhou white porcelain, he commissioned artisans to establish kilns in Ruzhou specifically to create refined celadon ware.
What makes Ru porcelain instantly recognizable is its distinctive color—a luminous bluish-green glaze that Chinese poets poetically described as "the blue of the sky in a clearing amongst the clouds after rain."
This ethereal quality resulted from meticulous control of iron oxide in the glaze. The delicate network of fine crackles across the surface—often compared to "crab claws" or "sesame flowers"—was not a defect but a deliberately cultivated effect that enhanced the visual depth.
The story of Ru ware is also one of loss and rediscovery. When the Northern Song dynasty fell in the 1120s, the original production techniques disappeared.
It wasn't until 1952 that Premier Enlai Zhou initiated a national research project to recover this lost art. By 1983, modern artisans had not only recreated Ru ware but some experts claimed they had surpassed the quality of the Song originals.
Central to understanding Ru porcelain's magnificence is appreciating the critical role of bisque firing in its creation.
Bisque firing is the initial kiln firing that transforms raw clay into permanent ceramic material before glazing.
This crucial step prepares the clay body by driving out moisture, burning off organic matter, and beginning the vitrification process that gives porcelain its characteristic strength.
For delicate Ru porcelain, temperature control during bisque firing was paramount. Traditional porcelain typically undergoes bisque firing at temperatures between Cone 06-04 (approximately 1650-1945°F).
The precise temperature determines the porosity of the final piece, which directly affects how the signature celadon glaze would interact with the clay body.
Too low a temperature would leave the clay too porous, absorbing too much glaze and affecting the final color. Too high would prematurely vitrify the clay, preventing the proper development of the famous crackle pattern.
Ru masters achieved their remarkable results through precise temperature control in wood-fired kilns, long before modern digital controllers existed.
The rarity of authentic Ru ware has made it extraordinarily valuable. In 2017, a single Ru bowl was auctioned by Sotheby's for an astounding $38 million. Even reproductions by skilled modern ceramicists command impressive prices.
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