Longquan Kiln: The Jade of the South

In the southern province of Zhejiang, the Longquan kiln produced the most celebrated celadon in history — glazes of such translucent jade-green depth that they were exported across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe for centuries.

The Jade Illusion

Longquan celadon achieves its signature color through iron oxide under reduction firing: the glaze develops a deep, luminous green, from pale 'powder green' to rich 'plum green.' The finest pieces imitate the appearance of jade — the most precious stone in Chinese culture — and were prized accordingly.

Global Trade

Longquan ware was the great export ceramic of the Song, Yuan, and Ming eras. Shipwrecks from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean have yielded Longquan celadon — evidence of a trade network that carried Chinese porcelain to the world centuries before Europe learned to make it. In many cultures, 'Longquan green' was the first porcelain anyone had ever seen.

Lessons for the Collector

Longquan demonstrates the global hunger for Chinese ceramic beauty — a hunger that continues today. It also shows the range of the ceramic arts: from the dark austerity of Jian Zhan to the luminous jade of Longquan, Chinese potters explored every possibility of fire and earth. At Porcelainess, our Artisan Living collection celebrates this diversity — from iron-clay tea bowls to glazed coffee ware. The tradition is one, and it is endless.