Plate, Jun ware 1200 - 1400

Editor: This is a Jun ware plate, crafted sometime between 1200 and 1400. The subtle hues and unpredictable glaze patterns are what draw my eye. What do you make of its composition and design? Curator: The aesthetic appeal resides precisely in what you call 'unpredictable'. Jun ware's visual signature comes from its specialized firing technique. Do you notice how the viscous glaze pools and thins? This is achieved through carefully controlled kiln temperatures. The "in-glaze" colors - that crimson splash, for example - results from liquid-liquid phase separation and the scattering of light, forming ruby-rich and blue-poor regions in the glaze layer, producing the red effect. Editor: I see, it's less about intention, more about process? Curator: The maker undoubtedly aimed for a specific range, understanding the properties of the materials, but chance plays a significant role. Consider the slightly raised rim, its delicate curve, and the way it interacts with the play of color across the dish. This relationship between form and surface modulation constitutes a complex aesthetic experience. The eye moves constantly, finding new nuances. Editor: So it’s the fusion of planned execution and almost accidental beauty that defines the piece. I never considered pottery this way! Curator: Precisely. It underscores how crucial materiality and method are in realizing visual artistry. Looking closely has helped appreciate both artistry and materiality together.