Northern Celadon Wares
10th - 15th Centuries
Yao-chou district in Shansi province became an important kiln center in Northern China during Sung (960-1279). It produced thin-walled grey-bodied ware with mold-impressed or hand carved decoration under a translucent olive-green glaze. These high-fired stonewares and others made in at least three other kiln complexes in northern Shansi form a fairly homogenous ceramic group generally termed northern celadon.
Decoration can be incised, mold-impressed, combed, carved or applied relief. The glaze, which derives its color from iron and titanium oxide, will accumulate in the recessed areas of the design, creating a darker color thereby giving emphasis to the pattern. Yao-chou was produced on a great scale in a wide variety of vessel shapes. Popular designs included flowers and grasses, waves, fish, ducks, children, dragons, phoenixes, and clouds. While admired by royalty, Yao-chou was not an official court ware.