Celadon Tea Set

Celadon is a French word that describes a soft green glaze that became popular during China's Song Dynasty (960 - 1279AD). The glaze shimmers and has an almost ethereal feel. Part of its appeal came from its color association with Jade- the most prized material in Chinese history. There are various theories to the origin of the name, but the most popular is that it came from the name of a character in a French romance novel, L' Astree. Celadon was a shepherd known for wearing pale green scarves. The earliest forms of celadon are from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220AD). Celadon is a challenging glaze to achieve. Iron oxide is the key component and it must be fired at 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. Celadon is often presented in a crackle finish.