Study of the manufacture of high-fired ceramics from Fujian (China) during the Shang and Zhou dynasties

Abstract

In recent years, some kiln sites from Shang and Zhou dynasties have been excavated in Fujian province in southeastern China, and substantial high-quality ceramic shards were unearthed. The research conducted by archaeologists indicates that these shards are likely the earliest high-fired ceramic products in this area, characterised by unique appearance features and are therefore valuable for exploring the development and manufacture of early high-fired ceramics in Fujian. In this study, we gathered some proto-celadon and stamped stoneware shards from three kiln sites dating back to the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties. We analysed the chemical composition of the ceramic body and glaze, firing temperature, and mineral phase to investigate the selection of raw materials, firing, and glazing technology of these early ceramic products. The results indicate that the bodies of these high-fired ceramic shards were made of locally weathered porcelain stone, and the glazes are lime glaze. During the Western Zhou dynasty, the potter utilised different raw materials for proto-celadon and stamped stoneware, which was not the case during the Shang Dynasty. The firing temperatures of the majority of shards exceeded 1,000°C, and the bodies had been completed phase transformation.