Changsha Ware Lead Glazed Earthenware Kendi, Tang-Song Dynasty 10th/11th Century

Chinese Changsha Ware lead glazed earthenware kendi, Tang to…
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Chinese Changsha Ware lead glazed earthenware kendi, Tang to Song Dynasty 10th/11th century, height 16.5 cm

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  • Earthenware - A basic ceramic material that is fired at a low temperature. Earthenware is the basis of almost all ancient, medieval, Middle Eastern and European painted ceramics. After firing, the colour is the colour of the clay when it is dug from the ground: buff, brown and red. It is not waterproof until glazed. Creamware is a type of earthenware covered with a transparent lead glaze. Majolica, faience and delft are also earthenware covered in an opaque white tin glaze.
  • Lead Glaze - Lead glaze, also known as lead glaze or leaded glaze, is a type of glaze that contains lead oxide as one of its primary components. It was commonly used in the decoration of Chinese and Western ceramics from ancient times until the mid-20th century.

    In Chinese ceramics, lead glazes were used as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The use of lead glazes became more widespread during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), when potters developed the technique of firing ceramics at a high temperature to create a translucent, glass-like surface. This type of glaze, known as "celadon," was often used to decorate delicate porcelain vessels.

    In the Western world, lead glazes were also commonly used to decorate ceramics. For example, during the Renaissance, lead glazes were often used to create brightly coloured majolica ware, which was popular in Italy and Spain. Lead glazes were also used in the production of English creamware and pearlware during the 18th and 19th centuries.

    While lead glazes were prized for their beauty and durability, they also posed a health risk to potters and consumers, as lead is a toxic substance. Today, the use of lead glazes in ceramics is highly regulated or banned in many countries, and modern ceramic artists have developed alternative glazing techniques that are safer and more environmentally friendly.
  • Song Dynasty - The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China from 960 to 1279 AD. It was divided into two periods, the Northern Song (960?1127) and the Southern Song (1127?1279). The emperor was the ultimate authority, but he relied on officials who were selected based on their merit and skills rather than their family background or social status. The Song Dynasty was a period of great artistic and cultural achievements, particularly in the areas of poetry, painting, and calligraphy. The Chinese invented the printing press during this period, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and ideas. During the Song Dynasty, China had a prosperous economy and was a centre of international trade, particularly in luxury goods such as silk, tea, and porcelain. The use of paper money became more widespread during this period, facilitating commerce and trade.  

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