Chinese Kilns  

The key to every successful ceramic firing lies in the potter’s kiln. Inside this heat source is where soft, porous clay is transformed into its hard, glassy and stone-like form. In China, ceramics have been produced as early as 5000 BC and the kilns were fuelled by wood fires. The dragon kiln (long yao) is but one type; others include the steam bun-shaped kiln (man tou yao), egg-shaped kiln
(dan xin yao), and the earliest primitive type, the Yangshao Neolithic kiln (heng xue yao).

This resource guide will help you find information on the different types of Chinese kilns and Chinese ceramic production at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.

Compiled by Alicia Yeo

Alicia Yeo Links: Profile & Guides Subjects: Singapore and Southeast Asian art, design.

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