About Our Zisha Reactive Glaze Collection
Our Zisha clay comes from a unique region in China and is unlike any other clay you’ll find elsewhere. Applying reactive glaze on this special clay is an even more delicate and complex process — making this the first and only collection where Zisha clay meets reactive glaze.
Each ceramic piece is individually hand-dipped and finished with reactive glaze, meaning every item is truly one of a kind. While we do our best to minimise differences in colour and pattern, natural variations will always occur — and that’s part of their charm.
Reactive glaze is created by layering two different glazes, which react during firing to produce beautiful, unpredictable colour and pattern effects. During the high-temperature firing process (over 1200°C), the glaze flows and transforms, giving each piece its own unique character. This individuality is exactly what we value — it’s what makes every piece an original work of art.
Please note that these variations are not considered flaws or defects. If you wish to return an item for this reason, it will be treated as a change of mind return, and shipping costs may apply.
Reactive glaze history
Origin and History
Reactive glaze (also known as flambé glaze, transmutation glaze, or kiln-change glaze) originated in China during the Song Dynasty (10th–13th century).
The earliest and most famous examples came from renowned kilns such as Jun ware, Ge ware, and the “Yohen Tenmoku” tea bowls.
During high-temperature firing, Chinese artisans accidentally discovered that when two or more glazes interacted inside the kiln, they created naturally flowing, blended, and unpredictable colour effects — a phenomenon that became known as yaobian, meaning “the transformation within the kiln.”
Technical Characteristics
Reactive glaze is a high-temperature glaze, typically fired at over 1200°C.
Its final appearance depends on the chemical reactions between different glazes, as well as the kiln atmosphere (oxidation or reduction) and the way the glaze flows during firing.
As a result, every piece has its own distinct colour variations and textures — a beauty that cannot be replicated, and the essence of what makes reactive glaze so special.
Influence on Modern Ceramics
Over time, ceramic traditions in Japan and Europe were inspired by these early Chinese techniques, developing their own interpretations of reactive glazes.
Today, the international concept of Reactive Glaze traces its roots back to ancient Chinese kiln transformation craftsmanship, a living legacy of artistry and innovation.
The Innovation of Zisha Reactive Glaze
Traditionally, Zisha clay — a unique mineral-rich clay from Yixing, China — has been celebrated for its natural colour, texture, and breathability. It is rarely glazed, as its beauty lies in the pure, uncoated surface that enhances tea brewing and develops a soft patina over time.
However, through years of experimentation and craftsmanship, we have achieved something truly rare — combining authentic Zisha clay with reactive glaze. This process is extremely challenging, as the porous nature and firing temperature of Zisha clay differ greatly from those of typical high-fired porcelain or stoneware.
By carefully adjusting our glaze formulas and firing conditions, we have created a harmonious fusion where the reactive glaze naturally flows over Zisha clay, forming unpredictable, vibrant colour transformations during firing at over 1200°C.
The result is a collection that unites ancient Yixing heritage with modern kiln artistry — each piece a singular creation, impossible to duplicate, and exclusive to our studio.
