Celestial Dining: The Allure Of Chinese Celadon Dinnerware

Chinese celadon dinnerware sets are a classic style of Chinese ceramics that feature a jade-green glaze with deep brown accents. The price of these dinnerware sets varies, with some pieces being sold for as little as $1.95 and others being listed for as much as $2,850. The sets can include a variety of items such as rice/soup bowls, small and large teapots, salad plates, mugs, and more. Chinese celadon dinnerware is described by ancient Chinese as a full moon dyed with spring water and is prized for its elegant simplicity.

Chinese celadon dinnerware sets for special occasions

Chinese celadon dinnerware sets are perfect for special occasions. The classic style of Chinese ceramics is affordable and comes in a jade-green glaze with deep brown accents. The sets are often made from porcelain, which is durable, strong, and lightweight, making it suitable for everyday use and special occasions. Porcelain dinnerware is also oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe.

There are a variety of Chinese celadon dinnerware sets available, ranging from 4 to 24 pieces. The sets typically include dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, teacups, mugs, and saucers. Some sets also offer additional items such as teapots, trays, and chopsticks. The price of these sets varies depending on the number of pieces and the quality, with some luxury sets being priced higher.

When purchasing a Chinese celadon dinnerware set, it is important to consider the size of the set, the type of occasion it will be used for, and the care instructions. For special occasions, a larger set with more pieces may be more suitable, while for everyday use, a smaller set may be preferred. It is also essential to check if the set is oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe if you plan to use it for cooking or heating food.

• Portmeirion Sophie Conran Celadon 4-Piece Place Setting: This set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, cereal bowl, and mug made from porcelain. It is microwave and dishwasher-safe.
• DUDSME Dinnerware Set: This 24-piece set includes dinner plates, bowls, and other dinnerware items. It is made from carved porcelain and has a celadon colour.
• Chinese Rice Bowl 10oz Celadon Dinnerware: This set includes four 4.5-inch porcelain rice bowls with an engraved peony design in sky blue.
• Elama Embossed Stoneware Ocean Dinnerware Dish Set: This 16-piece set includes dinnerware and serving pieces in a turquoise colour.
• Wholesale Celadon Ceramic Dinnerware Sets: These sets are available for purchase in sets of 1000 and can be used for home or hotel settings.

History of Chinese celadon ceramics

The term 'celadon ware' refers to a type of ceramic with a soft grey-green-coloured glaze. The effect is achieved by applying an iron-rich liquefied clay 'slip' to the ceramic before it is fired in a kiln. During the heating process, the iron oxidises to leave a delicate and lustrous green coating. The term 'celadon' is purely European, likely derived from the name of a character in a 17th-century French pastoral comedy, whose robe was this distinctive shade of green. However, the technique itself originated in China as early as the Shang (1600-1046 BC) and Zhou (1046-256 BC) dynasties, when potters began experimenting with glaze recipes.

The first 'true' celadon ware, with standardised glaze production, dates to the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220). Excavated shards of celadon ware from the Siqianyao kiln site in Shangyu county, Zhejiang province, attest to this. After the fall of the Han dynasty, kilns producing a variation of celadon ware, known as Yue ware, were established across the Ningbo-Shaoxing plain in northeastern Zhejiang. Yue celadon ware was fired at extremely high temperatures (above 1,300°C) to achieve its signature grey-green colour. It was primarily produced for the imperial court but by the 8th century, it was being exported across Asia and as far as Iraq and East Africa.

From around the 10th century, Yaozhou celadon ware was produced in kilns along the banks of the Qishui River in Huangbao town, in northern China's Tongchuan city. Initially, these kilns produced black and white glazed ceramics, but they soon began to imitate Yue celadon-coloured glazes. Longquan celadon ware, another successor to Yue ware, also emerged around the same time in the village of Dayao in southern China. During the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), Longquan ware was covered in celadon glazes ranging from faint yellowish-green to dark olive tones, which evolved into pastel and sea-green shades by the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279).

Around 1100, a particularly rare style of celadon ware known as Ru ware was produced in the Ru kiln in the village of Qingliang Temple, Baofeng county, Henan province. Noted for its distinct bluey-green-coloured glaze and lack of decoration, Ru ware was reserved for the imperial court. Production of Ru ware was abruptly halted around 1127 when the area containing the kilns was invaded by the neighbouring Jin dynasty armies. Today, fewer than 100 pieces of Ru ware survive intact, making it highly coveted among collectors and museums.

In addition to China, celadon production later spread to other parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Korea, as well as Southeast Asian countries like Thailand. Korean celadon, known as Goryeo celadon, was produced during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) and is considered the classic ware of Korean porcelain. Thai celadons, influenced by Chinese wares, featured a translucent glaze, usually grayish-green and often crackled, over a grayish-white body.

Celadon dinnerware care instructions

Chinese celadon dinnerware is a beautiful and classic style of Chinese ceramics. Here are some care instructions to keep your celadon dinnerware in top condition:

• Celadon dinnerware is typically made of porcelain and is often safe for use in the freezer, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Always check the manufacturer's instructions first, however, as some sets may have specific requirements.
• To avoid scratches and chips, handle your celadon dinnerware with care and avoid stacking items on top of each other. Store them in a way that minimizes contact between pieces.
• Use mild detergents when washing your celadon dinnerware, and avoid using abrasive cleaning pads or brushes, as these can scratch the glaze.
• If your celadon dinnerware has gold trim, take extra care when washing as the gold may wear off over time. Hand washing is recommended for these pieces.
• To remove stains, fill the dish with warm water and a mild detergent and let it soak for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Avoid using metallic utensils with your celadon dinnerware as they may scratch the surface. Opt for wooden or plastic utensils instead.
• When storing your celadon dinnerware, place paper towels or soft cloth between each piece to prevent scratches and chips.
• If your celadon dinnerware has any decorative elements, take extra care to avoid damaging them. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products and always wash these pieces gently.

Celadon dinnerware as home decor

Celadon dinnerware is a classic style of Chinese ceramics that can be a beautiful addition to your home decor. The elegant jade-green glaze with deep brown accents will surely elevate the aesthetic of your dining table. Here are some ideas on how to use celadon dinnerware as home decor:

Display on Open Shelves

Open shelves in the kitchen or dining room can be the perfect spot to showcase your celadon dinnerware. Arrange the plates, bowls, and teapots on the shelves to create a visually appealing display. You can also mix and match the celadon pieces with other coloured dishes or accessories for a more eclectic look.

Create a Tablescape

Celadon dinnerware can be the star of your dining table. Start by laying out a tablecloth in a complementary colour, such as a rich brown or deep green, to make the jade-green glaze stand out. Then, layer the table with celadon plates, bowls, and serving dishes. Add some contrasting cutlery and glassware to complete the setting. You can also incorporate some natural elements, such as greenery or fresh flowers, to bring a touch of the outdoors in.

Hang as Wall Decor

If you have some extra space on your walls, why not hang some of your celadon plates as decorative pieces? Group a few plates together to create a eye-catching display. You can also mix and match different sizes and shapes of plates to add interest and dimension to your wall decor.

Use as Centrepiece

A simple yet effective way to decorate your home with celadon dinnerware is to use a statement piece as a centrepiece. For example, a large celadon bowl can be filled with seasonal decorations, such as pumpkins for autumn or flowers for spring. Place it on your dining table or a console table in your entryway to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Mix and Match with Other Patterns

Don't be afraid to mix and match your celadon dinnerware with other patterns and textures. For instance, you can pair celadon plates with napkins featuring a subtle floral print or a complementary coloured border. This will add depth and interest to your table setting.

Types of Chinese celadon dinnerware

Chinese celadon dinnerware is a classic style of Chinese ceramics that comes in a jade-green glaze with deep brown accents. The term 'celadon ware' refers to a type of ceramic with a soft grey-green-coloured glaze, achieved through applying an iron-rich liquefied clay 'slip' to the ceramic before it is fired in a kiln. The iron oxidises during the heating process, leaving a delicate and lustrous green coating.

There are several types of Chinese celadon ware:

Yue Ware

Yue ware was produced in kilns across the Ningbo-Shaoxing plain in northeastern Zhejiang, established after the fall of the Han dynasty during the Six Dynasties period (220-589). Yue celadon ware was typically fired at temperatures above 1300°C to achieve its signature grey-green colour. It was primarily produced for the imperial court but, by the 8th century, it was being exported across Asia and as far as Iraq and East Africa. Noted for its muted colour and simple, incised designs, Yue ware is considered the prototype for many later celadon wares made throughout China.

Yaozhou Ware

From around the 10th century, kilns along the banks of the Qishui River in Huangbao town in northern China began producing Yaozhou celadon ware. The Yaozhou kilns initially produced black and white glazed ceramics before switching to imitating Yue ware's coloured glazes during the Five Dynasties period (907-960). Yaozhou potters also adopted the decorative styles of Yue ware, including low relief linear designs that were designed to mimic brush strokes. These designs eventually developed into complex symmetrical patterns during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Because of these stylistic developments, Yaozhou ware quickly became as popular as Yue ware.

Longquan Ware

Longquan celadon ware emerged around the 10th century from a village called Dayao in southern China. Initially, during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127), Longquan ware was covered in celadon glazes in colours ranging from faint yellowish-green to dark olive tones. By the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), these glazes evolved to adopt pastel and sea-green shades. After taking cues from Yue and Yaozhou celadon ware, Longquan ware eventually developed its own decorative style, combining elements of impressed designs, spotted splashes and intricate moulded appliqués. Longquan celadon ware remained prized for centuries and was produced for the imperial courts during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

Ru Ware

For a brief period around the year 1100, a rare style of celadon ware known as Ru ware was produced in the Ru kiln in the village of Qingliang Temple in Henan province. Noted for its distinct bluey-green-coloured glaze and lack of decoration, Ru ware was reserved for the imperial court. Fewer than 100 pieces survive intact today, making it some of the most coveted celadon ware among collectors and museums.

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