Yao Bian Series

Yao Bian, a term commonly used in Japanese literature, refers to a special type of glaze variation found in Jian ware, a type of black-glazed porcelain produced in the Jian kilns located in what is now Jianyang, Nanping, Fujian Province, China. The term "Yao Bian" is believed to have originated from "Yao Bian" in Japanese, which is phonetically similar to "Yao Bian" in Chinese, meaning "kiln change" or "kiln variation".

These variations are characterized by the accidental crystallization patterns that occur during the firing process, leading to a unique and beautiful appearance. The glaze can exhibit a variety of colors and patterns, such as spots of light blue, yellow, and other hues that shimmer against the dark background of the glaze.

In Japan, Yao Bian Jian ware is highly prized and considered a rare treasure. There are three complete Yao Bian bowls from the Southern Song Dynasty that are designated as national treasures in Japan2. The discovery of a Yao Bian shard in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, in 2009, has also shed light on the historical appreciation of these unique pieces in the Chinese imperial court.

It is important to note that while the term "Yao Bian" is used in Japanese literature, the concept of glaze variation is not limited to Jian ware and can be found in other types of ceramics as well. However, the specific term "Yao Bian" has become synonymous with the distinctive and highly sought-after glaze variations found in Jian ware