Soda-Fired Celadon Porcelain MUG (no. 1)

Celadon translucent green jade-like glaze has been celebrated for centuries around the globe, originating in China during the late Eastern Han dynasty (189–220 CE), when potters developed high-fired green glazes that resembled jade. The art later flourished in Korea during the Goryeo period (918–1392), where Korean craftsmen perfected luminous jade-colored celadon and intricate sanggam inlay designs admired across East Asia. Korean celadon strongly influenced Japanese ceramics through trade, tea culture, and the movement of potters during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598).

This small batch of soda-fired porcelain mugs was glazed with a traditional celadon glaze that was rusty red when applied.  During the firing, the flame searches for oxygen and pulls it from the iron oxide, transforming the colour from rusty red to a translucent jade green.

The addition of soda ash at high heat creates soft white and grey variation, especially along the rims and handles, making each piece unique to its place in the kiln.