Comparative study of black and gray body celadon shards excavated from Wayaoyang kiln in Longquan, China.

Longquan celadon is one of the most valuable treasures in Chinese ceramic history. Representative products are Ge ware (Ge meaning elder brother, black body celadon) and Di ware (Di meaning younger brother, gray body celadon) of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 A.D.). In this study, Ge and Di ware shards excavated from Wayaoyang kiln site in Longquan were collected and studied. Chemical and crystallite composition, microstructure, body and glaze thickness, firing temperature and glaze reflectance spectrum were observed and examined. Differences in raw materials and manufacturing technology between Ge and Di ware were studied. Based on the results and historical background, it was speculated that some Ge wares from Wayaoyang kiln site might be the test products of jade-like black body celadon for the imperial court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]