New evidence on technique, ingredients and provenance of Sui Dynasty white porcelain: A case study in Xi'an, ancient China capital city (A.D. 581–618)

Abstract

Sui Dynasty (A.D.581–618) white porcelain represents a brilliant development in Chinese ceramic history. Initial firing of rare translucent and fine white porcelain drew focus on producing techniques and provenance, exemplified by white porcelains in a Sui Dynasty noble tomb in this study. Multi-analytical approaches were applied, including polarized light microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and material property theoretical calculation, figuring out wares consist one translucent white porcelain made from kaolin-quartz set and calcium-glaze possibly firing at 1220∼1260 °C, and four fine white porcelains made from kaolin-quartz-feldspar set featuring calcium or calcium-alkali glaze possibly forming at 1240∼1300 °C. Comparing to kiln specimens by Multivariate Statistical Analysis and recipe calculation reveals white porcelains were all likely originated but different from Xing kiln in ingredients, providing a new evidence on potential different process of Sui Dynasty white porcelain artifacts in Xi'an, capital of Sui Dynasty.