Yin, X., Wang, W., I Made, R., Wang, T., Li, Q., Hui, H. K., Hnin, Y. Y. K., Lim, P. C., Tham, N. N. (2026). Iron oxide crystallinity and distribution in Song dynasty northern black wares: Insights into ‘silvery’ and ‘golden’ oil spot glazes. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 80, 302–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2026.06.008
Abstract:
Song dynasty black wares with oil spot glazes hold significant historical and artistic values. Despite prior characterization and replication efforts, the precise material identification, their correlation with glaze effects, and underlying formation mechanisms remain contested. This study compares silvery and golden oil spot glazes from northern China, revealing that silvery oil spots arise from densely packed hematite-like (α−Fe2O3) crystals on the glaze surface, whereas golden oil spots result from loosely dispersed ε−Fe2O3 nanoflakes embedded near the glaze surface. Notably, Ti incorporation within these iron oxide crystals was unambiguously detected. By correlating these findings with natural and synthetic iron oxide samples, distinct coloration and formation mechanisms were elucidated. This research highlights that the crystallinity, morphology, and distribution of iron oxides, alongside well-controlled firing conditions, are paramount in determining the aesthetic diversity of these iconic oil spot glazes.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research - NA
Grant Reference no. : SC25/23-135926