Jian ware, also known as Jian zhan

Jian ware, also known as Jian zhan, is a traditional type of ceramic tea bowl originating from the Jianyang area in Fujian Province, China. It is renowned for its unique glaze colors and patterns, and is commonly used for tea drinking, especially with oolong and pu-erh teas. The production process of Jian ware is complex, requiring high-temperature firing, and each piece has a one-of-a-kind glaze and texture.

Jian ware originated in the Jianyang area of Fujian Province, China, with a long history that began in the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty. Here are some key points in the history of Jian ware:

1. Tang Dynasty Origins:

- The production of Jian ware can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. During this period, the Jianyang area began producing pottery, primarily for everyday use.

2. Song Dynasty Flourishing:

- The Song Dynasty was the golden age of Jian ware, especially during the Northern and Southern Song periods. The Song emperors promoted the culture of tea competitions (doucha), and Jian ware became an essential tea utensil. Tea competitions required tea bowls with good heat retention and elegant appearance, which Jian ware perfectly met.

- During this time, the production techniques of Jian ware greatly developed, resulting in unique black-glazed ceramics. The glaze colors of Jian ware are diverse, including hare’s fur (tuanhao), oil spot (youdi), and the highly prized yohen tenmoku, each with its own distinctive patterns and colors.

3. Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties:

- After the Yuan Dynasty, due to social changes and the decline of tea competition culture, the production of Jian ware gradually decreased. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Jian ware's influence waned, and its production techniques nearly disappeared.

4. Modern Revival:

- Since the 1980s, with renewed interest in traditional culture and the revival of tea culture, Jian ware has once again attracted attention. Modern artisans, while inheriting traditional techniques, continuously innovate, bringing new vitality to Jian ware.

Jian ware is not only an important part of tea culture but also a remarkable representation of Chinese ceramic art. Its unique aesthetic value and craftsmanship continue to be highly appreciated and sought after in modern times.

Jian ware: Porcelain or Pottery?

Jian ware is considered porcelain. Although it has some characteristics of pottery, such as a heavy feel and a visible clay body, its smooth and hard glaze surface exhibits the qualities of porcelain. Jian ware is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a glaze that displays unique metallic luster and patterns, particularly the famous hare’s fur, oil spot, and yohen tenmoku glazes, distinguishing it in the realm of porcelain.

The production techniques and materials of Jian ware differ significantly from ordinary pottery. Its body is made from kaolin clay, fired at high temperatures (around 1300°C), producing a translucent and hard glaze, which are traits that categorize Jian ware as porcelain.