Transmutation of porcelain glaze

Porcelain comes in various types: celadon, sancai, blue-and-white, to name a few. One of priciest type is called ‘Yao Bian Ci’ or ‘transmutation-glaze porcelain’.

JingDeZhen Ceramics, located near the Forbidden City, offers a fine selection of ‘Yao Bian Ci’. The ‘Yao Bian’ craftwork, originated from Song Dynasty 800 years ago, involves burning mixture of glaze into silica, lime, or copper ore-rich glasses at high temperatures. After the spontaneous and irregular changing process, it is impossible to have two vessels with the same color.

At the shop I saw many ‘Yao Bian Ci’ vases, jars for home and office decoration. One is a globular, red-purple splashed vase. The splash looks like a waterfall. There are only two vases of this kind. One is in the Great Hall of the People, and the other at the shop. It is the most expensive vase inside, with a RMB 400, 000 price tag.

I also found a variety of goblets in the shop. The amazing thing about the goblet is that when it is filled with wine, an image of beautiful lady would appear at the bottom. It sells for around RMB 100.

The owner, Mr. Yu, speaks a little English. Communication is not a problem.

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