Inside the Dragon Kiln
Shiwan-ware, a renowned form of Chinese pottery originating from the kilns of Shiwan town in Guangdong, is celebrated for its robust and vibrant glazes. Over the years, Master Zhan has dedicated himself to reviving the traditional methods of ceramic production, embracing sustainable techniques such as the wood-fired dragon kiln, the natural ash glazing formula, and the timeless pattern designs.
Through his expertise and the artistry of his kiln, Master Zhan has crafted an array of unique ceramic gardenware and homeware. His creations elegantly reintroduce traditional Cantonese aesthetics into contemporary living spaces, blending heritage with modernity.
The diverse clays we utilize are meticulously sourced from the local Pearl River Delta. Here, masters blend the clay according to precise formulas.
Each type of clay is selected based on the specific product requirements. For larger items, such as stools, different grades of sand are incorporated into the mixture. Sand acts as a supportive framework, akin to a skeleton in ceramics, as it endures high temperatures. Additionally, recycled tile powder, known as "Chamotte," is created by grinding waste ceramics or refractory bricks. This ingredient helps reduce shrinkage and prevents deformation by integrating into the raw ceramic material.
Once prepared, the clay must be sliced, glued, and padded into a clay board for molding.
The clay boards are then assembled into a raw stool, upon which the masters begin their intricate decorating process.
After a few days of drying, the raw stool is ready to be glazed. While low-temperature chemical glazes are commonly used in mass production for their efficiency, Master Zhanquan He remains steadfast in his use of traditional glazes. These glazes, crafted from plant ashes, minerals, and metallic oxides following ancient formulas, are the result of centuries of empirical experimentation. Over decades or even centuries, these traditional glazes will gradually develop various layers of colors, showcasing their enduring beauty and complexity.
Loading the stools into the kiln is no easy task. The traditional dragon kiln, long and deep, requires a meticulously planned stacking design. The placement of each product significantly impacts the final outcome, as temperature variations occur throughout different parts of the kiln. Additionally, the arrangement must consider the ease of loading and unloading.
After a full day of loading, the entrance must be carefully sealed with mud to ensure optimal firing conditions.
Before each firing, Master Zhanquan He leads his pottery masters in a reverent ceremony dedicated to the God of Fire and the Mother of Dragon, seeking good luck and success.
Typically, they prepare fruits, light incense, and candles beside the dragon kiln, honoring these deities with sincere devotion.
MASTER ZHAN'S DRAGON KILN
The traditional southern Chinese dragon kiln, long and slender, relies on a steep slope, resembling a Chinese dragon. This unique shape provides a natural ventilation system, enabling the achievement of very high temperatures ideal for high-fired stoneware. All of Master He's works are fired at 1250°C, using burning pine wood. Each firing process, lasting between 12 to 23 hours, varies depending on the season and weather conditions.
Firing Pit
“Five Star” Stoking Holes
The fire is stoked row by row through five firing holes, gradually climbing upwards along the body of the dragon kiln until the entire length reaches maximum heat.
These stoking holes serve two purposes: allowing the kiln master to monitor the temperature inside the kiln and to add small firewood. The kiln's temperature is entirely controlled by the kiln master, who uses small firewood piled at the back of the kiln's arch to raise the temperature of the fire chamber. By placing the firewood into the kiln through the stoke holes, the master expertly controls the timing and quantity based on years of experience.
Barriers
Barriers were erected during the stacking process to separate different firing chambers. One purpose is to channel the flow of fire effectively. Another is to shield the products from potential scratches caused by the wood used in the firing process.
Master Zhan's kiln primarily uses pine wood recycled from construction waste for firing. Locally, this firing process is colloquially referred to as "Passing the Fire Mountain."
The duration of firing varies with different seasons and weather conditions, typically lasting between 18 to 23 hours.
After several days of cooling, the sealed wall is finally broken to unload the stools from the kiln.