The ware was popular because of its beauty; the Chinese also valued it because it resembled jade. Adding to its popularity was a widely believed superstition suggesting that a celadon dish would break or change colour if poisoned food were put into it.
Why is celadon pottery special?
The unique grey or green celadon glaze is a result of iron oxide's transformation from ferric to ferrous iron (Fe2O3 → FeO) during the firing process. Individual pieces in a single firing can have significantly different colours, from small variations in conditions in different parts of the kiln.
What is celadon and why is it revered?
It was a method that not only dominated the early ceramics scene, but became a benchmark of influence for potters across the globe. Today some celadon pieces are so revered that they can reach hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction.
