Copper red shard

This shard belongs to a group of copper shards that was most likely pieces of vases, small jars and ewers. Their designs are roughly painted to include chrysanthemums and plantain leaf motifs, typical of 14th century porcelain ware of ancient China.The red tone is a result of painting with copper oxide under the glaze and firing in an oxidised atmosphere, where the kilns were rich in oxygen. Kiln atmospheres, glaze thickness, firing temperatures and cooling rates are key to obtaining a good red colour. Here, the uneven colours on the shards vary from bright red to reddish brown.

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Copper red shard

Copper red shard

Copper red shard

Copper red shard