Colouration characteristics and mechanisms of Kangxi-period underglaze copper-red porcelain
Abstract
Abstract The underglaze copper-red porcelain of the Kangxi period (AD 1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (AD1616–1912) occupies a significant position in the history of Chinese ceramics, and its vivid colouration and refined craftsmanship have attracted considerable attention. As copper oxide serves as its colourant, the ware is highly sensitive to the firing atmosphere and temperature, developing different hues under different firing conditions. To reveal the compositional characteristics and colouration mechanism of Kangxi-period underglaze copper-red porcelain, this study employed energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), polarised light microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyse the coloured regions of 20 Kangxi-period underglaze copper-red specimens. The results revealed notable differences in elemental composition between the red-pigment and green-spot regions. Green spots show enrichment in CuO, CaO, and Fe2O3, along with spherical, phase-separated droplets approximately 10–20 nm in size. Green colouration primarily originates from Cu2+. The red hue mainly comes from Cu2O microcrystals (Cu+), which may partially coexist with minor amounts of metallic copper colloids (Cu0). These specimens were fired under a weakly reducing atmosphere. The relative valence-state ratio of Cu0, Cu+, and Cu2+ is the core factor controlling hue variation in…
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