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The invention and maturation of white porcelain is of monumental significance in the history of Chinese ceramics, with three kilns being the most representative: Ding, Shufu, and Dehua. This article analyzes the chemical composition, microstructure, and technical processes of 32 representative samples of the above-mentioned white porcelains and explores their coloration mechanisms by means of energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, electron microprobe, thermal dilatometry, and colorimetry. The results indicate that apparent differences among chemical composition and microstructure of the body and glaze impacted the coloration features of the three Chinese white porcelains. These results shed light on the history of Chinese ceramic technology, and have implications for interpretations of other white porcelain traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Yixing Zisha pottery is one of the most representative and influential traditional tea sets in ancient and even contemporary China. Chemical and phase composition, microstructure and performance of Yixing Zisha pottery samples from the late Ming Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty (1573 A.D.–1911 A.D.) unearthed for the first time in the Shushan Mountain Zisha pottery kiln sites in the western and southern hills of Shushan Mountain, Dingshu Town, Yixing City, China, were systematically analyzed. The chemical composition variations of Yixing Zisha pottery of the above-mentioned periods were studied. Porous structure of Yixing Zisha pottery body was discovered and the relationships among the unique performance of Yixing Zisha pottery, its raw material and the special technological process were discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]