Large bowl with Guan glaze cg047

This special transparent glaze called Guan or Kuan, is a Chinese formula from about 800 years ago, which highlights what could be considered a flaw in the glaze. But that becomes an effect of great beauty and delicacy. Within the glaze flakes of translucent crystals are formed that resemble fish scales or snowflakes, but the surface is smooth and shiny. These unique effects are very difficult to achieve. It is a container of an extra-large size, highly decorative, appropriate to be used also with flowers or dried plants. Or with non-liquid foods, such as fruits, nuts, etc. The base is unglazed, which is normal for handmade ceramic pieces. It is also polished so as not to affect the surface of the furniture if used properly.

This bowl is made of stoneware, like the others cups, mugs and glasses of different sizes and the bowls, plates, etc. to be used with foods you find in this store. Porcelain with walls of normal thickness and stoneware are the materials used for the manufacture of tableware for restaurants and for the home. They are food safe and suitable for the microwave and dishwasher. There are other pieces such as porcelain bowls or salad bowls that also share these features.

Although porcelain is a harder material, it is more delicate to work with. But it allows to make thinner walls and can be translucent. This makes it perfect for special pieces and lamps and not so much for daily use like those of stoneware.

There are also decorative pieces and others with mixed techniques in which I use other non-ceramic materials.

This piece was fired at high temperature (first at 980ºC -1800ºF, then glazed and fired at least once at 1250ºC-2280ºF). I prepare the glazes myself using high quality raw materials, which are properly fused into the piece in the final firing. In this way they are transformed into an inert glass that is not altered by the acids of some foods. I cannot certify that this Guan glaze bowl is suitable for liquid food, nor is it suitable for microwave or dishwasher, it is better to wash it by hand.