Ice Crackle

Ice crackle glaze creates a network of interconnected, angular cracks resembling fractured ice. This specialized form of crackle glaze requires precise control of glaze chemistry and firing atmosphere to achieve its characteristic crystalline pattern.

Song Dynasty Origins
Developed at Zhejiang’s Longquan Kiln during the Southern Song Dynasty, ice crackle was nearly lost after the Mongol conquest. Its revival in the 21st century by master ceramist叶小春 (Ye Xiaochun) required recreating 失传 (lost) glaze formulas through archaeological reconstruction.

Technical Requirements

• High-alumina glaze with silica additions
• Two-stage firing: 1280°C initial firing followed by controlled cooling
• Specific kiln atmosphere to promote dendritic crack formation

Symbolic Meaning
In East Asian aesthetics, ice crackle symbolizes resilience—like ice that cracks but does not shatter. The pattern appears on both imperial ritual vessels and scholar’s objects, representing strength through flexibility, a core Confucian virtue.

Modern Applications
The technique gained international recognition when incorporated into the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics medals, where its ice-like appearance perfectly complemented the games’ theme while showcasing China’s ceramic heritage.