Microstructure, firing temperature and composition characteristics of Mi-se porcelain unearthed from Housi’ao kiln site, China

Abstract Mi-se porcelain is one of the most famous celadons in ancient China. Here, PIXE and factor analysis are used to study the relationship between Mi-se porcelain, the ordinary celadon, and sagger unearthed from Housi'ao kiln site. Also, microstructure and firing temperature of Mi-se porcelain and the ordinary celadon is studied. The results show that the dominant wavelength of Mi-se porcelain is at 560–590 nm, showing a green glaze color. Its glaze layer is very thin (~100 μm), as is in the ordinary celadon. The firing temperature of Mi-se porcelain and the ordinary celadon is at 1180–1250 °C. Based on the factor analysis, Mi-se porcelain of the late Tang Dynasty originates from the ordinary celadon. To the Five Dynasties, the raw material of body and recipe of glaze are changed, while the ordinary celadon is stable from the late Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty. For the rough sagger, the recipe of its sealing glaze is the same as the ordinary celadon of the late Tang Dynasty. For the porcelain sagger, from the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties, raw material of body is the same as the ordinary celadon, while for the sealing glaze, there is no special recipe.