Ash Glazes: Philosophical Aspects and Modern Research

This paper examines the philosophical aspects of and modern research on glazes where the main glass former is ash derived from plants – the so-called ash glazes. The ones that are the subject of this study have a specific original vision in pastel tones. It is important to note that the first ash-glazed products were created before 1500 BC during the Shang dynasty in ancient China. Their simple beauty still finds a place in the work of many ceramists. Another important aspect which makes these works so popular is that the author’s intervention in their composition makes them inimitable. Ash glazes are a combination of a specific chemical composition and artistic techniques, the combination of which affects the original appearance of the products.