Collection: Yohen Jian Zhan

Yohen Jian Zhan represents the most technically demanding transformation within the oil-spot tradition of Jian ware.

From a materials perspective, Yohen is not a separate glaze system but an extreme outcome within oil-spot firing. It forms only when iron crystallization, kiln atmosphere, and cooling conditions align within a very narrow range during high-temperature firing.

Under these conditions, the iron crystals within the glaze undergo additional structural and optical transformation beyond normal oil-spot formation. Rather than remaining as discrete metallic particles on the glaze surface, the crystalline structure interacts with light inside the glaze layer, producing the optical phenomena that define Yohen.

Because these conditions cannot be precisely controlled, successful Yohen formation occurs only rarely. Differences in crystal structure, density, and internal optical interaction make every Yohen Jian Zhan inherently unique.

Technical Specifications

• Kiln Type: Modern electric kiln

• Firing Temperature: Approx. 1350 °C

• Firing Cycle: About 20 days preparation, 2 days firing

• Firing Atmosphere: Oxidation–reduction atmosphere

• Forming Method: Fully hand-thrown

• Trimming Method: Fully hand-trimmed

• Clay Source: Native clay from Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian

• Clay Iron Content: ≥5%

• Glaze Type: Iron-based mineral glaze

• Glaze Source: Native mineral glaze from Shuiji Town, Jianyang

• Crystallization Depth: Mid-glaze crystallization