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  • Writer's pictureCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
    • Jul 11
    • 3 min read

Celadon ceramics in Asia

Celadon ceramics, with their subtle shades of jade green and translucent finishes, embody an age-old tradition that spans East and South-East Asia. Appreciated as much for its elegant aesthetic as for its practical properties, celadon ceramics continue to captivate art lovers and historians the world over.
Celadon-glazed baluster vase, China, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €350,000


The origins of celadon ceramics date back to ancient China, particularly during the Shang (1600-1046 BC) and Zhou (1046-256 BC) dynasties. However, it was under the Song dynasty (960-1279) that celadon reached its apogee. Chinese craftsmen perfected glazing and firing techniques, producing pieces of exceptional quality, admired for their brilliance and purity.


The term "celadon" is derived from the name of a character in seventeenth-century French literature, but it has been used in the West to refer to these ceramics since the first pieces were imported from Asia. In China, these ceramics are often called "qingci" (青瓷), literally meaning "green porcelain".



Wine ewer with chrysanthemums and lotus flowers, celadon glaze, Korea, 13th century, at the MET in New York


The technique for making celadon gradually spread throughout Asia. In Korea, under the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), craftsmen developed their own distinctive style, characterised by incised motifs and complex inlays, often enhanced by deep green glazes. Korean celadon is particularly appreciated for its graceful shapes and refined aesthetic.


In Japan, celadon ceramics were also adopted and adapted, especially during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods. Japanese ceramists were influenced by Chinese and Korean techniques, while introducing elements of their own culture, creating unique pieces.


In South-East Asia, celadon found fertile ground in Thailand and Vietnam. Craftsmen in these regions have incorporated local influences into their creations, producing works that combine the celadon tradition with indigenous motifs and techniques.



Incense burner in the form of a courtier's hat, celadon-glazed porcelain (Nabeshima type), Japan, 1690 - 1750, kept at the MET in New-York


The production of celadon ceramics involves a complex and meticulous process. The most distinctive feature of celadon is its green glaze, obtained by adding small quantities of iron oxide to the glaze mixture. When fired in a reducing atmosphere, this glaze takes on a translucent green hue, reminiscent of jade.


Craftsmen also use engraving and inlay techniques to decorate the pieces, creating delicate patterns that appear beneath the glazed surface. The precision and care taken at every stage of the manufacturing process give celadon its status as a true work of art.


Celadon glazed terracotta eaves, Vietnam, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €1,000


Celadon ceramics are more than just decorative objects; they are also a symbol of Asia's rich culture and history. Each piece tells a story of skills handed down from generation to generation, of cultures that cross-fertilise and enrich each other.


Today, celadon continues to inspire contemporary artists. Exhibitions and museum collections around the world bear witness to the enduring appeal of this art form. In addition, many craftsmen in Asia are continuing the tradition, innovating while respecting ancestral techniques.


Celadon ceramics are more than just pottery; they are a bridge between past and present, between cultures and eras. Admiring a piece of celadon pottery connects you to an artistic tradition that has spanned millennia and continues to shine in the modern world.


For those who wish to deepen their knowledge or have their celadon works appraised, Gauchet Art Asiatique offers specialist appraisal services. Our team of experts is dedicated to the appraisal and authentication of these precious ceramics, helping collectors to fully appreciate the value and beauty of their pieces.






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