Comprehensive Guide to Longquan Celadon: Selection, Collection, and Tea Set Pairing

1. What is Longquan Celadon?

Longquan Celadon, also known as Longquan porcelain, is one of China’s four famous ceramics, originating over 1,700 years ago. It began flourishing in the Northern Song Dynasty and reached its peak in the Southern Song period, ranking among the five major kilns of the time. It is renowned for its delicate, jade-like glaze, smooth texture, and elegant green-blue hue. Longquan Celadon is widely used in tea sets, tableware, and decorative pieces, combining practical functionality with exquisite craftsmanship. It is celebrated for its beauty and artistry, traditionally praised as “qing ru yu, ming ru jing, sheng ru qing” (青如玉，明如镜，声如磬).

2. History of Longquan Celadon

Longquan Celadon originated in the Northern Song Dynasty and flourished during the Southern Song. Song-era pieces are distinguished by their refined shapes and soft green glaze. The kiln products were extensively used in imperial courts and exported to Southeast Asia, Korea, and the Middle East. According to the Jingdezhen Ceramics Records and collections in the Longquan Celadon Museum, these high-temperature fired pieces exhibit a crystal-clear glaze, serving as an invaluable reference for the study of ancient Chinese ceramics.

3. Longquan Raw Materials (Yuantuo Citu)

The raw clay used for Longquan Celadon is of critical importance. It contains a high amount of quartz, a certain proportion of kaolin, and muscovite (silk mica). These minerals provide excellent plasticity to the clay body and create the necessary porosity for proper integration with glazes during firing.

4. Longquan Kiln Characteristics (Longquan Yao)

Products from the Longquan kiln are known for their dignified, classical appearance. Characteristics include:

• Thin yet strong body (similar to Ge kiln style)
• Full and serene glaze
• Glaze surface may show crack-like patterns of various shapes, including baiji sui (百圾碎), xiezhao wen (蟹爪纹), xiaoyu wen (销鱼纹), and niumao wen (牛毛纹)
• Exposed foot revealing dense body (“iron-like”), mouth glaze sometimes showing subtle purple hue, called zi kou tie jiao (紫口铁脚)

5. Glaze Appearance

Longquan Celadon is prized for its fine texture, smooth flowing lines, dignified and unpretentious forms, and pure, elegant glaze. The glaze is crystal-like, as if frost or jade, giving it a gentle sheen. It is easy to clean and resists staining; after washing, the surface appears as if freshly fired, radiant and lustrous.

6. How to Identify Authentic Longquan Celadon

To authenticate Longquan Celadon:

• Check the glaze: Look for a smooth, jade-like finish with natural color variations.
• Observe the base mark: Kiln marks or stamps may appear on both historical and modern handmade pieces.
• Examine craftsmanship: Shapes should be uniform; carved patterns should be fine and precise. A magnifying glass can help inspect glaze details.

Purchase from trusted sources to ensure authenticity.

7. Longquan Celadon Tea Sets: Choosing Teacups, Teapots, and Tea Trays

Longquan Celadon tea sets complement traditional gongfu tea or modern afternoon tea sets. Considerations:

• Teacups: Small, to concentrate aroma
• Teapots: Smooth lines, easy pour
• Tea trays: Hold the full set neatly and protect surfaces

For high-quality sets, explore our celadon tea series.

8. Applications of Longquan Celadon

Uses include:

• Home dining: Adds elegance to everyday meals
• Tea houses and hotels: Enhances cultural ambiance
• Interior decoration: Vases and ornaments bring artistic appeal

The gentle green hue suits multiple interior styles, from traditional to modern.

9. Care and Cleaning Tips

Proper care includes:

• Handle gently to prevent chips and cracks
• Clean with warm water and a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals
• Dry thoroughly after each use to maintain glaze luster

10. Collecting Value

Longquan Celadon has both practical and artistic value. Pieces are appreciated for historical significance, craftsmanship, and kiln origin.

11. Related Guidance

For readers who want a deeper understanding of tea sets that complement Longquan Celadon, please refer to our Complete Teaset Guide for types, materials, and proper use of teasets.

FAQ

Q1: What are the main types of Longquan Celadon and their features?
Tea sets, tableware, and decorative items, known for jade-like glaze, smooth texture, and elegant green-blue color.

Q2: How can I identify authentic Longquan Celadon?
Check glaze, observe base marks, and inspect craftsmanship; buy from trusted sources.

Q3: How to clean and maintain?
Use warm water and soft cloth, avoid harsh chemicals, dry thoroughly, handle gently.

Q4: Can Longquan Celadon be used with modern tea sets?
Yes, pairs well with glass, bone china, or contemporary teapots; suitable for green, oolong, and pu-erh teas.