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 "Celadon" is the commonly accepted name for
high heat fired stoneware with a wood ash glaze that is usually "crackled". Our Thai Celadon is hand- made by a two
thousand year old process developed in China.
Dried stoneware clay is sifted into a fine powder then mixed with water and allowed to age. Aged clay is kneaded
to make it smooth and to make it easier for the potter to form and shape when throwing on the wheel.
Hand-shaped Thai Celadon pots are allowed to dry until firm but not hard. It is at this point that intricate carving,
embossing and other details may be applied. After the pots are fully dry they are placed in a kiln tub for
bisque firing at a temperature of 800C (1,500F).
In Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, the Celadon glaze is often made of silt from rice patties combined with
the wood ash from trees whose identities are sometimes kept secret by the kiln operators. Celadon is fired
in a "reduction atmosphere" that is high in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and low in Oxygen (O2) which produces the
soft shades of green that is most often associated with Thai Celadon. However the color of Celadon can be varied by
adjusting the reduction atmosphere. The glaze too can vary in color depending upon which wood
ash and clay is used. The popular blue colored Celadon is achieved by adding carbon to the kiln process.
The bright glossy finish that is associated with Thai Celadon is accomplished in a kiln that is 1,260+C (2,300+F)
to vitrify the glaze.
In this traditional hand made process, the "crackling" within the stoneware, not the glaze, is caused
by the different rates at which the glaze and the stoneware cools after firing. In the traditional
Thai Celadon firing process the glaze often flows down the stoneware beautifying the consistency and color
of the glaze. From the sifting of the clay to the final glost firing, this traditional process for making the
Celadon you see here takes about six weeks.
Each piece of Thai Celadon is truly a unique work of art. All products shown here are hand-made thus no two
pieces are identical. Celadon is Microwavable and dishwasher safe. Use it and enjoy it!
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