Antique Chinese and Japanese Porcelain collector's help and info page

GLOSSARY

Kiln implements

Both "kiln implements" and "kiln furniture" are terms used in pottery to refer to the various objects and structures used inside a kiln to support and protect the pottery during firing.

"Kiln furniture" is the more commonly used term and generally refers to the shelves, posts, and other objects made from refractory materials such as high-alumina, silicon carbide, or cordierite. These materials can withstand high temperatures and are used to support the pottery inside the kiln while it is being fired.

"Kiln implements" is a broader term that can refer to any tool or object used in conjunction with the kiln, including things like saggars, pyrometric cones, and thermocouples in modern western pottery. These objects are used to help regulate the temperature inside the kiln and protect the pottery from damage during firing.

Chinese names might differ but the general use and purpose are the same. In particular the marks various supports such as rings, tubes, pads or pontils have left on the pieces, are one of the most important features we have to date certain objects.

Both terms are used interchangeably, but "kiln furniture" is more specific to the objects used to support the pottery, while "kiln implements" is a more general term that includes other tools and objects used in the firing process.

See also: (North Chinese) Ding ware

For a look at an old South Chinese dragon - upward slope - kiln and its implements and furniture, see my Visit to Shiwan article here: The old Nanfeng kilns in Fushan (Shiwan), in 2006

There is also a lot of information on kiln implements found on the ground in Jingdezhen on my Visit to Jingdezhen paper on the main site.

HOME

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z