Hank Murrow on thu 26 jan 06
I learned today that David Stannard(health permitting) may be coming to
Portland for NCECA.
David, along with Nigel Wood, has uncovered significant 'secrets' of
the porcelains of 15th century Jingdezhen. The good news for we who
live on top of volcanic deposits along the Pacific Rim is that volcanic
ashes are the material bases for what (with weathering and benefication
by hydrothermal alteration) becomes natural porcelain. That is, a
material which generally needs no significant additions to become a
translucent body maturing from cone 8 and up. So those living from San
Diego(and Baja) north to Alaska and over the Rim to Russia and China
are likely sitting on local deposits of 'wild' porcelain, just waiting
for some enterprising potter to recognize them. BTW, add 15_20%
limestone(whiting) to these body materials, and you get a lovely
celadon which together with the body rings like a bell.
If David is able to come to NCECA, I will see to it that he spends some
time in the Red Lion Clayart Room and I will bring samples of both
rocks, and pots made from them.
Hopeful news indeed,
Hank in Eugene
www.murrow.biz/hank
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