The Dao Yan Kiln (also known as Dao Yang Kiln) is a large kiln in the city of Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, China. Built in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Dao Yan Kiln is one of the oldest and most famous ceramic kilns in China.
The Dao Yan Kiln is renowned for its unique and highly decorative style of ceramicware. It is known for its distinctive jadeite-green glaze, which is often used to embellish tea cups and other vessels.
The kiln is also known for its unique firing process. The unique temperature and atmosphere in the kiln create an effect known as ‘tempered steel’ which is characterized by a fine matte finish on the surface of the ware. This finish proves to be especially attractive when used to create decorative pieces, as it creates a beautiful glossy and translucent quality to the work.
The firing process in the kiln was developed over hundreds of years, and the kiln itself has been in continuous use for almost four centuries. Its history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when it was first used to produce high-quality porcelain.
The kiln eventually gained fame in the late Ming Dynasty, when the renowned potter, Dai Wenzhi, began to produce works made with the unique tempered steel finish. The kiln was then referred to as ‘Dao Yan’, after Dai Wenzhi’s nickname.
The kiln experienced a period of decline in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), but was revived in the mid-19th century. In the early 20th century, it began to gain notoriety again as a source of ceramics for the educated classes in China.
The Dao Yan Kiln continues to be an important cultural heritage site in Yangjiang. Its works, often referred to as ‘Dao Yan Yangjiang Porcelain’, are highly valued for their aesthetic qualities and cultural significance.
In recent years, the kiln has been the subject of numerous research papers and articles. Its history, firing process and further influences have been thoroughly examined and documented.
The Dao Yan Kiln is an incredible testimony to China’s rich history and culture, as well as a reminder of its ability to produce remarkable works of art.
