Webinar Description
Hosted by: ACerS Art, Archaeology & Conservation Science Division
Friday, September 18, 2026; 12:00–1:00 p.m. Eastern US time
Sponsored by the ACerS Art, Archaeology & Conservation Science Division, the September webinar will feature one speaker: Decoding the Colors of Changsha Ware: Glaze Technology, Microstructure, and the Origins of Copper Red Decoration
Description
Decoding the Colors of Changsha Ware: Glaze Technology, Microstructure, and the Origins of Copper Red Decoration
Changsha ware, produced during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), is one of the most innovative ceramic productions in ancient China. Distinguished by its colorful painted decorations and the early development of high-temperature copper-red glaze, Changsha ware represents an important milestone in the history of ceramic technology. The combination of different glaze colors and decorative techniques on the same vessel reflects the advanced technological knowledge and creativity of Tang dynasty potters.
In this presentation, Dr. Mingyue Yuan will explore the technological development of Changsha ware through the study of glaze composition, microstructure, and the oxidation states of coloring elements. First, she will discuss how glaze composition, thickness, and firing conditions influenced the formation of transparent and opaque glazes, as well as the development of different glaze colors. She will then focus on the coexistence of green and copper-red decorations on the same object, exploring how firing atmosphere and copper chemistry contributed to these contrasting colors. Finally, she will introduce experimental reproduction of copper-red decoration and discuss its significance for understanding the emergence of the earliest high-temperature copper-red glazes in Chinese ceramics.
This study provides new insights into the relationship between material properties, firing technology, and artistic innovation in Changsha ware, highlighting how scientific analysis can reveal the technological achievements behind ancient ceramic production.
Biography
Dr. Mingyue Yuan, Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology, University of Science and Technology of China
Dr. Mingyue Yuan received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Anhui University, followed by a master’s degree in Archaeology and Museology from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Her interdisciplinary background in chemistry, archaeology, and heritage science has shaped her research approach to understanding ancient ceramic technologies through scientific analysis.
She completed her PhD in Physics at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) BarcelonaTECH, under the supervision of Prof. Trinitat Pradell. Her doctoral thesis, Historical Copper and Iron Coloured Glazes and Glasses, was awarded Cum Laude. During her doctoral studies, she investigated the coloring mechanisms of copper- and iron-containing glazes in ancient Chinese ceramics and historical European copper-red glasses, combining materials characterization with the study of historical manufacturing technologies.
Since March 2024, Yuan has been a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of History of Science and Scientific Archaeology at USTC. Her current research focuses on the relationship between composition, microstructure, firing conditions, and color development in historical ceramics, including Song dynasty copper-red glazes from Guangxi and black-glazed ceramics from different regions of China.
Her research aims to reveal the technological knowledge and craftsmanship behind ancient ceramic production by integrating archaeological perspectives with advanced materials science approaches.
Registration
ACerS member: no cost
ACerS GGRN and Material Advantage student member: no cost
Non-member: no cost
Non-member student: no cost
If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Evans.
This webinar is brought to you by the ACerS Art, Archaeology & Conservation Science Division.
To view past ACerS webinars, click here.
