Mössbauer spectroscopy of Chinese glazed ceramics

Abstract

FOR over 1,000 yr the Chinese have manufactured glazed ceramic objects renowned for their aesthetic qualities. The colour of a glaze is generally achieved by the incorporation of transition metal ions¹ of which iron is the most important, being used in at least nine recognised glaze types, ranging in colour from pale blue, through green, to yellow, brown and red. Although reflectance spectra of the glazes allow a simple division into types expected to contain Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, a study of the environment of the iron in each type is of interest. Such data may throw light on the technology of production of the glazes and permit archaeological distinctions between apparently similar glazes, for example, the famous pale green Celadons.