Water pot 1662 - 1722

This water pot was made in China, from fine porcelain, and covered with a beautiful glaze. The key to this object is the firing process. Its rounded shape would have been thrown on a wheel, but the color would have been achieved through careful control of the kiln environment. Copper was often used to create red glazes like this one, but it is notoriously difficult to control. The slightest variation in temperature or atmosphere could result in a completely different color, or a mottled, uneven finish. So, this water pot represents a triumph of skill and knowledge. The potter had to be intimately familiar with the properties of the materials, and the behavior of the kiln, to achieve this result. The smooth, even surface of the glaze speaks to the high level of craftsmanship involved, demonstrating how the artistry of ceramics is as much about technical mastery as it is about aesthetic vision.