Timeline: The Rediscovery of Jian Kiln (1950s–1990s)

For more than six centuries after the Yuan dynasty, the techniques used to produce the famous black-glazed tea bowls of Jian kiln (建窑) were believed to be lost. Beginning in the mid-20th century, archaeologists, historians, ceramic engineers, and scientists gradually rediscovered the ancient kiln sites around Jianyang, Fujian Province. Their research eventually led to the successful recreation of traditional Jian ware firing techniques and laid the foundation for today’s modern Jian Zhan industry.

1950s – Archaeological Interest Begins

Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, nationwide efforts were made to document and preserve China’s cultural heritage. Archaeologists began surveying ancient kiln sites throughout Fujian Province, identifying the importance of the Jian kiln ruins near Jianyang.

1960 – First Scientific Excavation

The first modern archaeological excavation of the Luhuaping (芦花坪) Jian kiln site was carried out by Xiamen University. Thousands of kiln fragments, wasters, saggers, and firing remains were recovered, providing researchers with valuable evidence about Song dynasty production methods.

1977 – Major Archaeological Excavations

A second large-scale excavation by the Fujian Provincial Museum and Xiamen University confirmed that Jian ware had been fired in long dragon kilns. Researchers documented kiln structures, clay sources, firing methods, and production techniques that had been lost for centuries.

1979 – Restoration Project Begins

A formal restoration project was launched by the Fujian Provincial Light Industry Research Institute in cooperation with the Jianyang Porcelain Factory and other national institutions. Researchers experimented with local iron-rich clays, traditional glaze recipes, and high-temperature firing methods in an effort to recreate authentic Song dynasty Rabbit-Hair (兔毫) glaze.

1981 – Official Technical Appraisal

From May 7–10, 1981, more than fifty experts representing museums, universities, research institutes, and government organizations gathered in Jianyang to evaluate the restoration project.
The panel concluded that the recreated Rabbit-Hair glaze successfully reproduced the essential characteristics of Song dynasty Jian ware, marking one of the earliest official confirmations that the lost firing techniques had been successfully restored.

1980s – Continued Scientific Research

Following the successful restoration of Rabbit-Hair glaze, researchers expanded their work to reproduce Oil Spot (油滴), Partridge Feather (鹧鸪斑), Persimmon glaze (柿红釉), and other traditional Jian effects. Modern scientific analysis also began revealing how iron crystals formed during firing to create the distinctive patterns seen on Jian ware.

1989–1992 – Comprehensive Archaeological Investigation

Large-scale excavations led by the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Fujian Provincial Museum uncovered additional kiln structures, workshops, and production areas. These excavations greatly expanded scholarly understanding of Jian kiln history and technology.

1990s – Growth of Modern Jian Ware

By the 1990s, modern Jian Zhan production had expanded significantly throughout Jianyang. Many contemporary artists trace their technical knowledge to the restoration research conducted during the late 1970s and early 1980s, while continuing to refine traditional firing methods and glaze development.

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