CELADON

We’ve been dreaming about this glaze for two years, and finally, we managed to create it from our own materials – the famous celadon. The biggest challenge was finding feldspar of the right purity, as impurities greatly affect the color of this glaze. Its subtle greenish tone comes from a precisely defined amount of iron in the mix. True celadon cannot be achieved in an electric kiln because it requires a proper reduction atmosphere during firing.

Compared to copper greens, its shade is calmer, leaning into soft grays and bluish hues. There is so much to say about the history of celadon – for instance, in the past, people believed that a celadon vessel would crack if poisoned food was placed on it. This is one reason why, during the Middle Ages, it was highly prized by aristocracy. At that time, celadon was an object of intense trade between China and the Islamic world, and later, Europe.


Celadon – Timeless Elegance in Ceramics

Celadon is one of the most treasured glazes in the history of ceramics. Its subtle, jade-like tones symbolize harmony and tranquility – values close to the wabi-sabi aesthetic we love and embrace in our studio. Every shade of celadon tells a story of nature and fire: minerals, clay, and iron reacting in a reduction atmosphere to create a color that cannot be replicated.

This is why celadon has been a symbol of luxury for centuries. In Song Dynasty China, in the renowned Korean Goryeo kilns, and later in Japan, celadon adorned vessels used in tea ceremonies and on royal tables. Today, it makes a perfect choice for those who seek handcrafted ceramics that are elegant, refined, and rooted in a natural lifestyle.


How We Create Our Celadon

Our signature celadon glaze is based on natural raw materials that we source ourselves.

We begin by searching for feldspar in the surrounding fields, where numerous cobbles were deposited by the glacier during the Ice Age. The stone is first crushed with a hammer and then ground by hand using stone mills – celadon requires an exceptionally fine grind.

We also add sifted wood ash, kaolin from Lower Silesian deposits, and limonite – an iron ore found in small amounts in a nearby sand pit. It is this local limonite that gives celadon its color, and the proportion must be measured with precision – exactly 1 percent.

After adding water, we create a suspension in which the vessels are dipped. They are then fired for at least 20 hours in a wood-fired kiln with a reduction atmosphere – meaning limited access to air. This process is crucial for achieving the characteristic color; without it, celadon would turn yellow or amber. The firing temperature reaches approximately 1250°C (2280°F). 

Our celadon differs slightly from traditional Korean and Chinese celadons. The chemical composition of local minerals gives it a muted, tranquil tone reminiscent of the sea at dawn. The glaze is semi-transparent and features a delicate network of fine cracks known as crackle. When it comes into contact with a greater amount of wood ash during firing, it develops a blue hue as soft and vivid as a forget-me-not.


Why Choose Celadon Ceramics?

Celadon is more than just a glaze – it is tradition, history, and elegance. In Asian culture, it was considered a symbol of harmony and balance. Today, it fits perfectly into the slow living and wabi-sabi trends, where we appreciate objects that are authentic, imperfect, and therefore truly unique.

If you’re looking for handmade ceramics that are both elegant and natural, our celadon pieces will be the perfect choice. Every item is one of a kind – no two tones or glaze patterns are ever the same.


Celadon in History – Fascinating Facts That Inspire Us

  • The name “celadon” does not come from China. It became popular in Europe in the 17th century, inspired by a novel whose character, Céladon, wore green ribbons.
  • In the Middle Ages, people believed that celadon could detect poison – it was said to crack when in contact with tainted food.
  • Celadon was one of the first luxury goods exported from China. It graced the tables of aristocracy in Persia, Japan, and Europe.


Our Celadon Ceramic Collection

We invite you to explore our collection of celadon-glazed pieces. We craft them in the spirit of Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, paying attention to every detail. In our interpretation, celadon is not just a glaze – it is a story of earth, fire, and time. Among our works, you will find teaware, large serving bowls, vases, and other pieces that are perfect for everyday use as well as for adding a unique touch to your home décor.

 

Inspired by nature, enlivened by fire — Handmade, wood-fired ceramics from Poland