Ancient Chinese bowl, can anyone explain?

[Hery Pasaribu]

found it a few months ago

yesterday I tried shining it and it was transparent

I tried putting iodine in it, shaking it, that's the result, the water returned to its original color

Can anyone explain this scientifically?

 

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[Red-Coat]

Hi Hery.

Is there any particular reason why you tried putting iodine into it?

Tincture of iodine will progressively turn colourless as it ages and loses its antiseptic properties. It also rapidly turns colourless in the presence of reducing agents or anything which has antioxidant properties. Presumably, either something in the glaze or left behind in the bowl as a residue has such properties,

[It's a rice bowl, but starch residues would result in a dark blue/black colouration, unless vitamin C is also present, in which case it would then turn colourless. In fact, the blue/black starch-iodine complex is used as a test reagent for vitamin C, although any reducing agent would have the same effect.]

The bowl itself is 'Min Yao' or 'folk ware' (ie produced in large quantities for everyday use) although it does appear to be high quality porcelain, but difficult to date since such pieces are frequently unmarked. It has decoration including the 'double happiness' characters, as on the one shown below on the right.

[Ref: "Interpreting “Overseas Chinese” Ceramics Found on Historical Archaeology Sites: Manufacture, Marks, Classification, and Social Use" - SHA Research Resource, March 2014 by By Philip P. Choy - Historian and Architect, San Francisco, CA]

 

[Clay Diggins]

Min Yao means "people ware" and is nothing but a distinction between every other piece of pottery made and pottery made to pay the emperors taxes "guan yao".

Min Yao pottery is a type of traditional Chinese pottery that originated in the Min Valley of Fujian Province, China. It is known for its distinctive style and craftsmanship, and has a history dating back over 1,000 years.
Min Yao pottery is characterized by its delicate and intricate designs, often featuring floral motifs or mythological figures. The pottery is typically made using a combination of hand-throwing and hand-building techniques, with the clay being shaped and decorated by skilled artisans.

The firing process is an important part of Min Yao pottery production. The pottery is traditionally fired in wood-burning kilns, which gives it a unique color and texture. The firing also enhances the durability and strength of the pottery, making it suitable for everyday use.

Min Yao pottery is widely appreciated for its beauty and artistic value. It has been collected and displayed in museums and galleries around the world. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote the traditional craft of Min Yao pottery, ensuring its cultural heritage continues to thrive.

 

[Hery Pasaribu]

Hi Hery.

Is there any particular reason why you tried putting iodine into it?

Tincture of iodine will progressively turn colourless as it ages and loses its antiseptic properties. It also rapidly turns colourless in the presence of reducing agents or anything which has antioxidant properties. Presumably, either something in the glaze or left behind in the bowl as a residue has such properties,

[It's a rice bowl, but starch residues would result in a dark blue/black colouration, unless vitamin C is also present, in which would then turn colourless. In fact, the blue/black starch-iodine complex is used as a test reagent for vitamin C, although any reducing agent would have the same effect.]

The bowl itself is 'Min Yao' or 'folk ware' (ie produced in large quantities for everyday use) although it does appear to be high quality porcelain, but difficult to date since such pieces are frequently unmarked. It has decoration including the 'double happiness' character, as on the one shown below on the right.

View attachment 2106596

[Ref: "Interpreting “Overseas Chinese” Ceramics Found on Historical Archaeology Sites: Manufacture, Marks, Classification, and Social Use" - SHA Research Resource, March 2014 by By Philip P. Choy - Historian and Architect, San Francisco, CA]

I use it because it is red and is a substitute for poison.
It works by releasing iodine which results in the death of various microorganisms.

Thank you very much for the explanation, it was very helpful.

 

[Hery Pasaribu]

Min Yao means "people ware" and is nothing but a distinction between every other piece of pottery made and pottery made to pay the emperors taxes "guan yao".

Min Yao pottery is a type of traditional Chinese pottery that originated in the Min Valley of Fujian Province, China. It is known for its distinctive style and craftsmanship, and has a history dating back over 1,000 years.
Min Yao pottery is characterized by its delicate and intricate designs, often featuring floral motifs or mythological figures. The pottery is typically made using a combination of hand-throwing and hand-building techniques, with the clay being shaped and decorated by skilled artisans.

The firing process is an important part of Min Yao pottery production. The pottery is traditionally fired in wood-burning kilns, which gives it a unique color and texture. The firing also enhances the durability and strength of the pottery, making it suitable for everyday use.

Min Yao pottery is widely appreciated for its beauty and artistic value. It has been collected and displayed in museums and gaolleries around the world. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote the traditional craft of Min Yao pottery, ensuring its cultural heritage continues to thr substitute for poison.

 

Min Yao means "people ware" and is nothing but a distinction between every other piece of pottery made and pottery made to pay the emperors taxes "guan yao".

Min Yao pottery is a type of traditional Chinese pottery that originated in the Min Valley of Fujian Province, China. It is known for its distinctive style and craftsmanship, and has a history dating back over 1,000 years.
Min Yao pottery is characterized by its delicate and intricate designs, often featuring floral motifs or mythological figures. The pottery is typically made using a combination of hand-throwing and hand-building techniques, with the clay being shaped and decorated by skilled artisans.

The firing process is an important part of Min Yao pottery production. The pottery is traditionally fired in wood-burning kilns, which gives it a unique color and texture. The firing also enhances the durability and strength of the pottery, making it suitable for everyday use.

Min Yao pottery is widely appreciated for its beauty and artistic value. It has been collected and displayed in museums and galleries around the world. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote the traditional craft of Min Yao pottery, ensuring its cultural heritage continues to thrive.

Yes, I agree

This is a very good quality bowl in its group.

This is the work of experts, made of clay but translucent, amazing

Thank You

 

[Hery Pasaribu]

found it a few months ago

yesterday I tried shining it and it was transparent

I tried putting iodine in it, shaking it, that's the result, the water returned to its original color

Can anyone explain this scientifically?

in a different bowl (Tea bowl), I did it and the results were exactly no different.
the water returns to its original color.

Ancient Chinese bowls are very impressive

 

[Yang Hao]

Just to add to Red Coat's message. The Chinese characters are:

民窑 [mín yáo] 民窯​

The full name is:
民間瓷窯 mín jiān cí yáo
民间瓷窑
The word 窑 yáo is interesting because it has 3 meaning in Chinese. It can refer to the actual pottery produced, a kiln, or a device/tool used to make pottery.

The opposite is called:

官窑 [guān yáo]​

官窯​

which is pottery for officials. Here is a wiki about it.

Guan ware - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Clay Diggins]

Min Yao means "people ware" and is nothing but a distinction between every other piece of pottery made and pottery made to pay the emperors taxes "guan yao".