The origin and development of Chinese ceramic saggers

Abstract

By combing and analyzing ancient literature, archaeological data, and test data, this paper systematically explores the origin, material, and development of the sagger firing process in ancient China. Saggers were first recorded in Tao Ji (Records on Ceramic) written by Jiang Qi in the Southern Song Dynasty. The word sagger was coined by Song Yingxing in Tian Gong Kai Wu of the Ming Dynasty. The development of saggers can be divided into three stages: the germination stage of the bowls and jars of saggers before the Eastern Jin Dynasty; the initial stage of perforated saggers from the late Eastern Jin Dynasty to the Sui Dynasty; and the development and maturity period of various saggers after the Sui Dynasty. The raw material recipe has gone from a single-component formula using refractory mud, clay, and other raw materials; to a two-component formula with clay as the matrix mixed with quartz sand or white clay; to multi-component formulas including white clay, black clay, and black and yellow sand. Loading and firing have undergone an evolution, from nested firing to single-box upward firing, to a combination of inner and outer boxes, and finally to branch ring covering firing. The evolution of saggar materials and firing methods reflects the improvement of saggar performance, which improves both the output and quality of ceramics.