The History and Craft of Longquan Celadon

Longquan kilns date back to China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and were once the largest center for celadon production. Due to their prominence, all major celadon kilns were historically classified under the “Longquan kiln system.”

Although Longquan kilns were never part of the official imperial kiln network, they were highly regarded for their large-scale production and high-quality household celadon. Before blue-and-white porcelain became popular, most Chinese exports to Europe were Longquan celadon, internationally known as celadon.

During the mid-Ming dynasty, Longquan kilns experienced a decline. Jingdezhen began producing affordable imitations of Longquan celadon, which led to a shift in the market. As a result, Longquan gradually focused on lower-end everyday wares.

In the 1950s, the Chinese government initiated efforts to revive Longquan celadon. Local factories were established to produce high-end celadon, quickly surpassing the quality of ancient pieces. After the closure of state-owned factories in the 1990s, private kilns emerged, continuing the tradition of fine celadon production.

Today, Longquan celadon remains highly specialized. While Jingdezhen represents a more diverse porcelain industry, Longquan focuses exclusively on celadon, preserving its unique heritage. Common body types include white clay, iron-rich clay, vermilion clay, and others. Typical glaze colors range from pale blue (fenqing) and plum green (meiziqing) to soft yellow (mihuang), with both crackled and smooth finishes. Decoration techniques primarily include incising, stamping, applique, chisel carving, and twist carving, without painted designs. Multiple glaze layers create a rich, glossy finish.

While Longquan may be less versatile in forming and decoration compared to Jingdezhen, its celadon glaze quality is equally exceptional. The enduring charm of Longquan celadon lies in its elegant simplicity, refined craftsmanship, and deep connection to Chinese tea culture.