Understanding the corrosion mechanisms of ancient porcelains and the influence of marine-organism attachment is crucial for the conservation of underwater cultural heritage. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the chemical compositions and structures of the concretions and corrosion layers on the glaze surface of a bluish-white porcelain excavated from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck, with a particular focus on the morphological evolution of bubbles in the glaze during the corrosion process. The concretions contained a yellow porous structure that comprised a siliceous skeleton, while the main corrosion products were α-FeOOH and β-FeOOH. Furthermore, plausible hypotheses were formulated regarding the source of the concretions and the mutually beneficial relationship between silicon-rich marine organisms(sponges) and ancient silicate ceramics, providing a unique perspective for the conservation of waterlogged ancient ceramics.

The Changsha Kiln of the Tang Dynasty was a major site for celadon production, yet the mechanisms behind the unique coloring of its opaque glazes remain inadequately explored. Prior research has largely focused on the general composition of these glazes, with limited understanding of the specific processes contributing to their distinct visual characteristics. This gap in knowledge hinders efforts to accurately replicate these historical glazes and fully appreciate their technological significance. In this study, we analyze the chemical composition and microstructure of opaque glaze specimens from the Changsha Kiln using advanced techniques such as EDXRF, SEM-EDS, and ultra-deep field microscopy. Our findings reveal that the opaque glazes are high-calcium compositions where phase separation and the presence of coloring ions like Cu²⁺, Cu⁺, and Fe³⁺ play critical roles in determining the glaze’s color. The interplay between chemical coloring and phase separation processes is shown to produce the distinct blue-green and creamy white hues observed in the glazes. These results provide a deeper understanding of the coloring mechanisms in Changsha Kiln glazes, contributing to the broader field of ceramic research and aiding in the preservation and accurate reproduction of these historic artifacts.

The blue-and-white porcelains from the Chinese Yuan Dynasty include different ornamentation effects, such as bow string and main patterns. In this study, ten pieces of blue-and-white porcelains from the Jingdezhen Ceramic University Museum were examined using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence to reveal the chemical compositions of their microzones. Three key findings were obtained. First, the Co-based material used in the specimens was imported ore with high Fe and low Mn contents, with certain amounts of Ni and As. Second, the bow-string and main patterns had different (Fe + Mn)/Co ratios; the main patterns had lower ratios, suggesting a purer Co material. Third, the differences in the elemental ratios were verified against a historical purification process, whereby the main pattern was speculated to be painted with purified Co-based materials. Finally, the material differences that began to appear during the Yuan Dynasty, which influenced the painting of blue-and-white porcelains in the Ming and Qing dynasties, were investigated. This study provides a new perspective on the blue-and-white porcelains from the Yuan Dynasty and the development of decoration systems for Chinese blue-and-white porcelain paintings.

This study analyzes 16 pieces of greenish-white porcelain unearthed from the Hongjiajie cemetery, the family burial site of Han Derang of the Liao Dynasty in Beizhen, Liaoning. Using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), the chemical compositions of the bodies and glazes were examined. The results show a high-silica, low-alumina profile typical of southern Chinese kilns and strong compositional similarity with the Hutian Kiln in Jingdezhen. The glazes are calcium-based, and their MnO and P₂O₅ features correspond to Northern Song Hutian greenish-white ware. Trace and rare earth element patterns further confirm the Hutian provenance. Synthesizing analytical, historical, and archaeological evidence, the study suggests these ceramics reached the Liao realm via maritime trade, reflecting the close economic and cultural exchanges between northern and southern China during the mid-to-late Liao period.