Changsha underglaze ware
Changsha underglaze ware refers to the group of underglaze-painted stonewares produced primarily at the Tongguan kiln complex in present-day Changsha, Hunan Province, during the Tang and Five Dynasties periods. This ware group represents the earliest large-scale Chinese ceramic tradition employing underglaze-painted decoration, establishing a technical and conceptual foundation for later underglaze systems, including Yuan and Ming blue-and-white.
Historical and Geographic Context
Production of underglaze-painted wares at Changsha developed in the context of the Tang dynasty’s expanding inland and maritime trade networks. Hunan occupied a key position along the Xiang River corridor, linking interior Central China with export ports in southeastern coastal regions. Archaeological finds of Changsha ware in shipwrecks and overseas sites demonstrate active participation in maritime trade extending to Southeast Asia, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa.
The Changsha kilns supplied both domestic and foreign markets, with forms and decoration tailored to diverse consumers. The ware’s circulation constitutes one of the earliest documented examples of Chinese ceramics exported in large volume.
Kiln System and Archaeological Evidence
The primary production center is known as the Tongguan kiln complex (铜官窑), comprising multiple firing installations, clay-preparation zones, waste ash deposits, and large accumulations of wasters and kiln furniture.
| Kiln Complex | Present-day Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tongguan kilns (铜官窑) | Changsha, Hunan | Primary production zone; extensive archaeological remains confirm multi-century operation |
Excavations show the use of elongated **dragon kilns** built along slopes, supporting high-temperature firings and sustained production runs.
Materials and Technical Characteristics
Body: Stoneware body ranging from buff to light gray in cross-section, with moderate density and partial vitrification.
Glaze: Transparent to olive-green or amber-hued glaze, often clear enough to reveal brushwork beneath.
Decoration: Underglaze-painted motifs executed using iron- or copper-based pigments, applied on the unfired body before glazing. Firing stabilizes line quality beneath glaze.
Firing:
- Approx. 1200–1250°C
- Reduction atmosphere with controlled oxidation phases
- Thick glaze pooling enhances visual depth over decorated surfaces
Decorative Motifs
Changsha wares feature:
- Floral and vegetal motifs
- Birds, fish, and naturalistic scenes
- Buddhist-inspired symbols
- Calligraphic inscriptions and short poetic phrases
- Abstract brush patterns designed for visual liveliness beneath glaze
Decoration ranges from restrained to highly dynamic, reflecting diverse patronage and commercial adaptation.
Forms and Vessel Typology
Typical forms include:
- Bowls with deep or conical profiles
- Ewers with curved spouts and loop handles
- Bottles and flasks suited for transport and trade
- Boxes, often used for cosmetics or ritual storage
- Tea and wine service wares reflecting Tang consumption practices
Form standardization allowed efficient large-scale production.
Distribution and Circulation
Changsha underglaze wares have been recovered from:
- Kiln sites throughout Hunan
- Monastic and administrative deposits across Central China
- Tang shipwrecks (e.g., Belitung / Batu Hitam shipwreck)
- Archaeological sites across Southeast Asia and the western Indian Ocean
These distributions document Changsha ware as the **first major globally exported Chinese ceramic tradition**.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Changsha underglaze ware is significant because:
- It represents the **earliest extensive underglaze-paint ceramic system** in China
- It documents the interaction of Chinese ceramics with **international maritime exchange networks**
- It demonstrates the coexistence of standardized production with expressive brushwork aesthetics
- It provides essential technological context for the later development of Jingdezhen underglaze blue wares
Related Pages
References
- Li Zhiyan et al., eds. Tang Ceramics and Tongguan Kilns. Chinese Academy of Arts.
- Medley, Margaret. The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics.
- Wood, Nigel. Chinese Glazes: Their Origins, Chemistry, and Re-creation.
- Kerr, Rose. Chinese Ceramics. Victoria and Albert Museum.
