What has been evenly fired reflects just like red gold... and it shines as brightly as the sun! Something like this was said in the early 14th century about the quality called "luster." The way ceramics have been used throughout the Europe and the Islamic world for over a thousand years pertains to this quality in particular. The luster technique of decorating is actually complicated and expensive. It requires three skilled craftsmen and enough fuel for three separate firings. In fact, luster potters are forced to regulate the firing conditions very cautiously if they are to be successful. One cannot understand this technique simply by looking at the final product either. Luster decorating demands an arcane knowledge of the chemical process along with the quantities of different materials needed. It is easy to understand why exact techniques were most likely passed along from potter to potter over time. For the Asian enthusiast, the logical question is: How did this precise technology come about through the help of China?
The skill that eventually developed into luster pottery may have been first invented to decorate glass in Syria or Egypt around 700 CE. It is true that some of the best inventions were discovered by people through an "accident." So it was in Iraq in the 9th century that the production of luster decorated ceramics first began to be noticed. It was also at this time, during the boom years of the Abbasid Empire, that new long haul trade routes opened up. These routes connected the Islamic world and Tang dynasty China (618-907 CE). As a result, glazed Chinese ceramic wares started to come into the Iraqi port of Basra.
The bright white, high fired porcelain wares were not like the kind of ceramics ever encountered in the Middle East. Local Iraqi potters started to imitate these Chinese wares almost at once. However, these Middle Eastern potters did not have access to the kaolin used by Chinese potters to make porcelain. Therefore, the Middle Eastern potters had to imitate the appearance of the wares rather than the technology used by the Chinese. This was accomplished by adding particles of tin oxide to their local lead glazes. This was also the origin of "tin glazing." The tin would remain in suspension during the firing and made the glaze appear to be opaque white. This white tin glaze became the basic blank canvas upon which the Iraqi potters began to apply their decoration.
For any student of Asian history, such an example as this one demonstrates the broad influence of China throughout the drama of trade and economics. Even though the creation of the Middle Eastern luster product was something of an accident, the role played by the Chinese is present. Such an example shows how established the art work of China really is. It is part of what makes the "East" a mysterious and enchanting place for people throughout the world. The influence of China continues to be felt in the modern world even today!
Harlan Urwiler is the CEO of HRU Enterprises, Inc. He is an expert author on the subjects of Asian history, culture, art, folklore, and collectibles. The company's excellent website can be accessed at: My Oriental Gallery. The Support Team is anxious to answer any questions you may have about our dynamic business or authentic products. Harlan and the team look forward to hearing from you soon!
The skill that eventually developed into luster pottery may have been first invented to decorate glass in Syria or Egypt around 700 CE. It is true that some of the best inventions were discovered by people through an "accident." So it was in Iraq in the 9th century that the production of luster decorated ceramics first began to be noticed. It was also at this time, during the boom years of the Abbasid Empire, that new long haul trade routes opened up. These routes connected the Islamic world and Tang dynasty China (618-907 CE). As a result, glazed Chinese ceramic wares started to come into the Iraqi port of Basra.
The bright white, high fired porcelain wares were not like the kind of ceramics ever encountered in the Middle East. Local Iraqi potters started to imitate these Chinese wares almost at once. However, these Middle Eastern potters did not have access to the kaolin used by Chinese potters to make porcelain. Therefore, the Middle Eastern potters had to imitate the appearance of the wares rather than the technology used by the Chinese. This was accomplished by adding particles of tin oxide to their local lead glazes. This was also the origin of "tin glazing." The tin would remain in suspension during the firing and made the glaze appear to be opaque white. This white tin glaze became the basic blank canvas upon which the Iraqi potters began to apply their decoration.
For any student of Asian history, such an example as this one demonstrates the broad influence of China throughout the drama of trade and economics. Even though the creation of the Middle Eastern luster product was something of an accident, the role played by the Chinese is present. Such an example shows how established the art work of China really is. It is part of what makes the "East" a mysterious and enchanting place for people throughout the world. The influence of China continues to be felt in the modern world even today!
Harlan Urwiler is the CEO of HRU Enterprises, Inc. He is an expert author on the subjects of Asian history, culture, art, folklore, and collectibles. The company's excellent website can be accessed at: My Oriental Gallery. The Support Team is anxious to answer any questions you may have about our dynamic business or authentic products. Harlan and the team look forward to hearing from you soon!
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Great Information ..China's Influence Upon the Technology of Luster
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