Langyao Red Glaze

Lang Tingji and the Kangxi revival

From 1705, the forty-fourth year of the Kangxi reign, Jiangxi governor Lang Tingji (郎廷极) oversaw production at Jingdezhen’s imperial kilns. Charged with reviving the lost Xuande copper-red tradition, the workshops developed the brilliant high-fired glaze later known after him as Langyao red.

Why it is difficult

Copper is exceptionally sensitive at high temperatures and in the kiln atmosphere, making the colour difficult to achieve. Traditional sayings speak of nine failed firings out of ten, and warn that whoever wishes to become poor should fire Langyao red.

How it is recognised

Its characteristics are summed up in the phrase tuōkǒu, chuízú, láng bù liú (脱口垂足郎不流): a pale mouth where the glaze thins to reveal white, colour deepening towards the foot, and glaze that stops before it runs onto the base. Fine examples show a vivid, even colour, subtle hair-fine markings and a cleanly finished foot.