Chapter 1
The heartbeat of Swiss watchmaking
Chapter 2
The liquid gold of Japanese lacquerware
Chapter 3
The magic threads of French leatherwork
Chapter 4
The clay and fire of Chinese porcelain
Ch 4 · The clay and fire of Chinese porcelain
louisvuitton The Dragon Kiln's Fire
We stoke the fire and watch the ashes rise, To paint a glaze that takes you by surprise.
louisvuitton In Jiangxi province, Jingdezhen's rich deposits of kaolin clay and petuntse vitrify at extreme temperatures into ringing, translucent white gold.
Quiz
Which Chinese city has been recognized as the 'Porcelain Capital' of the world for over 1,700 years?
Quiz
What mineral clay, discovered in abundance near Jingdezhen, is essential for making true translucent porcelain?
Fun Fact
Porcelain musical ring: True Jingdezhen porcelain is so dense and perfectly fired that when struck gently, it rings with a clear, bell-like musical tone.
louisvuitton This extreme division of labor defined the historic creation of luxury porcelain.
Quiz
Why did traditional Jingdezhen porcelain workshops use an extreme division of labor?
Quiz
According to historical records, how many distinct manual steps are involved in making traditional Jingdezhen porcelain?
Glossary
porcelain (noun)
A white, vitrified, translucent ceramic material. In Jingdezhen, traditional handmade pieces famously pass through seventy-two hands before completion.
A white, vitrified, translucent ceramic material. In Jingdezhen, traditional handmade pieces famously pass through seventy-two hands before completion.
Quiz
What color does the raw cobalt pigment look like before it is fired in the porcelain kiln?
Quiz
At approximately what temperature in Celsius must true porcelain be fired to achieve its vitrified, glass-like state?
Quiz
How did traditional Chinese master kiln-firers judge the internal temperature of a wood-burning kiln?
Quiz
Why are traditional Chinese 'dragon kilns' built climbing up a hillside slope?