Linru (Lin-ru) Kiln
Kiln area in Henan Province, in the area called the central plains geberally speaking having the Yellow river as its Northern boundary. In "Song Ceramics Distinguishing Characteristics" the "Lin-ru Kiln" is given the following characteristics:
"The Lin-ru kiln is an important kiln of the Song period in the area of the Yao-zhou kiln complex, its history of establishment as a producing kiln is later than that of the Yao-zhou kilns, therefore it is a kiln receiving the influence of the Yao-zhou kilns. The rise of
the Lin-ru kiln is comparatively late, carved decoration is very
seldom used, incised and carved decoration together employed are seen
at times, the outlines are mostly carved by knife (such as in
florals), then with a comb lines pattern delineating the details. The
Lin-ru kilns impressed designs are most common, the lines are all in
relief, the lines rather highly raised, comparatively distinct, the
stems and veins highlighted in all impressed florals. This kind of
handwork is also seen in the Yi-yang wares of Henan, but Yao-zhou
ceramics with impressed design has not this kind of characteristic
line decoration. The Lin-ru wares circular wave pattern is very
peculiar, as if a stone was thrown upon the placid surface of water,
stirring up circle after circle of ripples, reaching to 8 or 10
circles, the center always decorated with florals or snail pattern.
During the Northern Song the fired body of the Lin-ru celadons is
comparatively white (compared to that of the Yao-zhou wares), the
fired body substantial, the wheel-cut formed raw body rough, in
particular the footring is cut rather shallow, the knife work rather
coarse, kiln grit always adhering to the footrim. The glaze layer of
Lin-ru wares is the same or slightly thicker than that of Yao-zhou
wares, glaze bubbles are rather numerous, the glaze being
greenish-yellow or oily-green, the best are of green having some
ash-brown hue, all similar to the glaze colourings commonly seen in
Yao-zhou wares, the glaze layer comparatively translucent, the glaze
surface showing crackling of the same colour, the variety of objects
are mostly dishes, bowls and other such articles of daily use."
Back to Chinese Porcelain Collectors Page