Archaeological Observation of Firing Defects in Xiangzhou Kiln Porcelain

This study examines 9 pieces of white-glazed and 247 pieces of celadon artefacts from the Sui Dynasty, unearthed during the third excavation of the Xiangzhou kiln in 2009. Based on the burial environment and morphological characteristics of these artefacts, firing defects in the samples’ body and glaze were observed, recorded and analysed. Eight types of defects were identified in the foetal body, with underfiring defects accounting for the largest proportion. Meanwhile, 12 types of defects were found in the glaze surfaces, with spot defects being the most prevalent. The firing defects indicate that the Xiangzhou kiln possessed a certain degree of originality in raw material preparation, moulding, drying and firing. In addition, it could produce relatively mature, transparent, white-glazed porcelain. Consequently, its porcelain-making process should be at a high level during the same period.