metal-oxide fluxed with the glaze

Ingredients

metal-oxide, red or ochre earthly material, liquifying agent

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Metal oxides were mixed with a red or ochre earthly material to form a powder, which was then mixed with a liquifying agent. This mixture was painted onto a previously fired opaque glazed ceramic. The vessel was then fired a second time in a kiln with a reduced flame to withdraw oxygen, revealing the metallic luster layer (p. 39).

Evidence

"The surface of an opaque glazed surface receives a metallic sheen, approximating the look of copper, gold or silver depending on the metal-oxide fluxed with the glaze... The oxides were mixed with a red or ochre earthly material, the resulting powder is mixed with a liquifying agent."

Remarks

Lusterware developed in stages: bichrome (two hues), polychrome (up to four pigments), and monochrome (single luster, often bright yellow) (p. 40).