The Chinese monochrome glaze known as “tea-dust” chayemo (茶葉末), is often associated with 18th century porcelain vessels. However, early versions of this glaze can be found on ceramics produced at kilns in northern China as early as the 7th century. Tea-dust glazes on stoneware vessels can be seen among the Tang dynasty brown-glazed wares made at the Yaozhou kilns in Huangbaozhen, Shaanxi province. These glazes were made using loess, a clastic aeolian sediment that is abundant in northern China. The use of loess allowed northern potters to create China’s first dense, glossy black and dark brown glazes, which were previously difficult to achieve in southern China. This innovation set the foundation for the development of the tea-dust glaze on porcelain vessels during the 18th century.
The tea-dust glaze on these early ceramics from northern China is characterized by its deep and rich color, which ranges from dark brown to black. The glaze is also known for its glossy and dense texture, which adds to the beauty and elegance of the vessels. The tea-dust glaze on the Yaozhou ceramics is also unique because it is created using the natural material loess, which contains iron oxides, soda, and fluxes such as calcia, magnesia, and potassia. This mixture of natural elements gives the glaze its distinct color and texture.
The tea-dust glaze on Yaozhou ceramics also has a historical significance, as it represents a major innovation in Chinese ceramic production during the Tang dynasty. The use of loess as a glaze material allowed northern potters to create a new type of glaze that was previously difficult to achieve in southern China. This innovation set the foundation for the development of the tea-dust glaze on porcelain vessels during the 18th century. The tea-dust glaze on the Yaozhou ceramics also reflects the cultural and artistic influences of the Tang dynasty, as it incorporates elements of traditional Chinese motifs and designs.
In conclusion, the tea-dust glaze, known as chayemo, is often associated with 18th century porcelain vessels. However, early versions of this glaze can be found on ceramics produced at kilns in northern China as early as the 7th century. The tea-dust glaze on these Yaozhou ceramics from the Tang dynasty is characterized by its deep and rich color, glossy and dense texture, and its unique composition of natural materials such as loess. This glaze represents a major innovation in Chinese ceramic production and reflects the cultural and artistic influences of the Tang dynasty.
