Celadon Phoenix-Pattern Pouring Vessel · Five Dynasties
The Celadon Phoenix-Pattern Pouring Vessel was unearthed in 1968 in Binxian County, Shaanxi. It stands at 18.3 centimeters in height and has a belly diameter of 14.3 centimeters. It boasts a unique design, exquisite ornamentation, and a pure, delicate glaze. The vessel’s handle is shaped like a phoenix about to take flight, while the spout resembles a mother lion nursing her cub. The belly of the vessel is adorned with intricate entwined peony patterns.
However, this vessel is slightly different from the ones we commonly encounter. Its lid cannot be opened. So, how do people pour water or wine into it? Is it merely an ornate decoration? What makes this pouring vessel so mystical? What scientific principles lie behind it? Join us on an exploration to uncover its secrets.
Who is the mother of the Magic Kettle?
Its mother is the Yaozhou Kiln, one of the “Eight Great Famous Kilns”.
Introduction to its mother, the place of origin
Yaozhou kiln is one of the representative kilns of northern celadon, which began in the Tang Dynasty, matured during the Five Dynasties, reached its peak in the Song Dynasty, and continued to develop in the Jin Dynasty, and has a history of nearly 1400 years. Tang Dynasty Yaozhou kiln to diversification, multi-glaze, multi-species trend of flourishing; Five Dynasties Yaozhou kiln has a qualitative leap in development, the first celadon glaze by the royal favour, not only the tribute to the royal family, but also exported to overseas; Jin Dynasty Yaozhou kiln burned the creation of the month of white glaze porcelain, Yaozhou kiln porcelain technology to another peak; the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty Yaozhou kiln is no longer for the court tribute, but Yaozhou kiln porcelain has become a favourite public Dietary tableware, for the five provinces of Northwest China’s food culture has added rich colours; until today, Yaozhou kilns still continue to make porcelain, a thousand years of the furnace fire is not extinguished.
How exactly is the magical pouring kettle produced?
The making of a pouring vessel involves a unique process. First, a pottery clay mold is used to create the vessel’s shape. Then, a prepared conduit is placed inside the vessel’s body, and the molded vessel mouth is sealed. Afterward, it is placed in a kiln for firing. The kilns used for firing pouring vessels in ancient times demonstrated the advanced techniques mastered by ceramic artisans of that era. According to analysis, during the Tang Dynasty, the kiln temperature at Yaozhou reached as high as 1310°C. This achievement was largely attributed to a type of kiln known as the “horse-shoe kiln,” which had a completely sealed roof. The innovation of this kiln lies in the fact that when the fire rises from the fire pit, it first reaches the kiln’s roof. Because the roof is sealed, the fire can only move downward along the kiln’s base. This allows for even firing of the products within the kiln as the flames move from the kiln’s base to the roof. Finally, the heat is expelled through the bottom flue.
The physic principles of the magic pouring kettle
The pouring kettle primarily relies on the principles of physics related to a “communicator.” When two interconnected containers at the base are filled with the same liquid, the liquid levels in each of the interconnected containers remain at the same level when the liquid is not in motion. Therefore, the mystery of the pouring vessel, which lacks a removable lid but features a hole at the base, is easily explained.
