Influence of manufacturing parameters on the crackling process of ancient Chinese glazed ceramics

Guan and Ge wares, produced during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), hold a very special position in Chinese ceramic history because of their aesthetical qualities with a prominent crackle as their only decorative feature. The aim of this inter-disciplinary research is to understand the formation of crack patterns in ancient Chinese glazed ceramics in order to gain knowledge on the manufacturing process. We propose a new approach based on a time-scale investigation of the crackling process and of the cracks morphology obtained on glazed ceramic model systems synthesized under controlled conditions. In order to establish a link between macroscopic and microscopic properties, EDXRF, XRD and SEM-EDX analyses have been performed. Our results show that the relative glaze-body thickness and the firing temperature and atmosphere are key factors to control the crack patterns morphology.