After thousands of experiments in four years, a new kind of eggshell porcelain has been created by Hu Zhongcheng, a porcelain artist of Henan province. The new Ru porcelain is 1.5 mm thin and as thin as an eggshell. Hu has already applied for a patent.

Ru porcelain, ranked the highest among the five most famous kinds of porcelain from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), together with Ru stones, transcribing arts and Ru calligraphic arts, are called the “three treasures of Ruzhou.” The Zhanggongxiang kiln site has been confirmed as the site of the official kiln of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

Making Ru porcelain is a long and difficult process that is affected by temperature and pressure. What’s more, the traditional Ru porcelain is thick and heavy.

In recent years, more than 60 porcelain factories have been established to burn the traditional Ru porcelain with ancient glazing colors and shapes. However, they have only a limited presence in China's marketplace.

“It is essential for Ru porcelain to enter common people’s houses,” said Hu. Although there have been changes to production methods and materials used, craftsmen are able to retain the original beauty of Ru porcelain. Tea sets made in new Ru porcelain have proven to be very popular.

Edited by Tania Lee

Eggshell Ru porcelain debut

Eggshell Ru porcelain debut