Chemical and microstructural study of inlaid celadon from Hunyuan Kiln (Datong City, Shanxi Province, 916–1368 CE) using imaging and spectroscopic techniques

Abstract

Inlaid celadon from Hunyuan Kiln is one of the famous varieties of ancient ceramics during Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties (916–1368 CE). In this work, the microstructure of inlaid celadon and ordinary celadons was systematically analyzed by imaging and spectroscopic techniques. The results reveal that the inlaid celadon is composed of a four-layer structural glaze, two-layer slips, and body. The slip is integral in creating the white patterns against the green glaze. The transparency and gloss of the glaze are attributed to the presence of K₂O and CaO. The X-ray diffraction patterns of samples present no distinct crystalline peaks, corroborating the high quality of the glaze. The relative intensity of XRD 2θ= 20–30° band is inversely related to modifier/network-forming oxides molar ratio, suggesting that increased modifier oxide content enhances disordered structures. Bodies appear gray due to Fe and Ti.