Jianzhan Kilns, China

Biography:

Jianzhan Kilns, China is a type of Chinese pottery originally made in Jianyang, Fujian province. It is known for its simple shapes in stoneware, with a strong emphasis on subtle effects in the glazes. The wares are generally small cups for tea, bowls and vases, normally glazed in dark colors, with special effects such as the 'hare's fur', 'oil-spot', and 'partridge feather' patterns caused randomly as excess iron in the glaze is forced out during firing. In the Song dynasty, Jian ware achieved a high prestige, especially among Buddhist monks and in relation to tea-drinking. They were also highly valued in Japan, where many of the best examples were collected.