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The phoenix rebirth of Jun porcelain through fire

Ziyue Zhou1, Qun Wang1, Shuang Yang1, Ruoxuan Wang2, Yang Li1, Songtao Lu1, Xiaohong Wu1   

  1. 1 School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China;
    2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-17 Revised:2025-11-20
  • Contact: Qun Wang E-mail:wangqun5992@hit.edu.cn

Abstract: Jun porcelain, one of the Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty, embodies profound physicochemical principles through its distinctive characteristics of “monochrome upon entering the kiln yet myriad hues upon emerging” and flowing glaze patterns. This study employs anthropomorphism, casting Jun Porcelain as the protagonist through a master-apprentice narrative framework, to elucidate its complete lifecycle from material selection to final kiln products. Grounded in the fundamental sciences of matter and energy at both microscopic and macroscopic scales, the research meticulously examines: the chemical rationale behind clay selection, the critical role of material refinement, the scientific principles governing glaze formulation, precise temperature control during firing, quality assessment criteria upon kiln discharge, and the mechanisms underlying crackle formation. The presentation aims to engage readers in appreciating both the chemical intricacies of Jun Porcelain and the essence of traditional craftsmanship through an accessible narrative approach.

Key words: Jun Porcelain, Kiln transformation reaction, Metal compounds, Structural coloration, Redox flame