Basic Introduction to Lungchang Terracotta
The Lungchang Terracotta factories are mainly distributed in the Shiyangqiao Town, with over a hundred of them. The unique natural eco-friendly terracotta clay in this area, combined with handcrafted and traditional methods, results in terracotta products that are acid and alkali-resistant, have good breathability, and do not leak. Terracotta products are widely used, including pickle jars, flower pots, water containers, wine jars and bottles, among others.
Product Characteristics
(1) Rustic elegance, fine terracotta texture, bluish color, rich hue, and glossy glaze.
(2) A loud, crisp sound when struck, with a pleasant aftertone.
(3) Good breathability without leakage over long-term use and excellent load-bearing capacity.
Historical and Folk Customs
The production of Lungchang Terracotta has a history of more than 600 years. Its production process includes making clay, forming, glazing, and firing. In the Shiyangqiao Town area of Sichuan's Lungchang, a unique Han Chinese terracotta culture has formed, with almost every household using terracotta products for storing water, wine, pickles, and more. Many locals have been running this “iron rice bowl” business from generation to generation.
Manufacturing Method
From making kiln tables (used to hold the terracotta during firing), preparing clay, forming, glazing, to firing, it takes about half a month to complete one terracotta product. According to Master Liu Zuoming, who is working on the kiln table, terracotta production is mainly divided into two types: step kilns and flat kilns. Flat kilns are a newer firing technique, while step kilns are a traditional technique that dates back hundreds of years.
“Crush stones with a machine and mix them with clay to make the terracotta body harder and less prone to breaking. Use yellow sand as a base to prevent the terracotta body from sticking to the wooden board…”, Yang Xiantang, who is turning the stone wheel with his foot while forming the terracotta body, told reporters. After the terracotta body is shaped, it needs to be beaten to make it solid and even, then the excess parts are scraped off with tools. Finally, the terracotta body is shaped and fixed with a hemp braid, then placed aside to wait for glazing, and then fired together with other pieces that need glazing.
“The final firing is particularly important, requiring control of the temperature and constant monitoring for over ten days without interruption. About 30-40 pieces are fired at once, with an average success rate of around 80% for a batch.”
In terracotta factories, there are specific roles: some form the bodies, some glaze, and some fire.
Authenticity Identification of Lungchang Terracotta
(1) Visual inspection. Check for deformation, bubbling, over-firing, or under-firing.
(2) Strike with a hammer, listen for a dull or muffled sound.
(3) Water test. Check for leaks.
Awards and Honors
Lungchang Terracotta is a protected geographical indication product by the state.