Longquan celadon is basically ancient China’s version of “luxury ceramics.” What makes it special? The glaze looks smooth and jade-like, almost like polished stone. On the surface, you’ll see fine crackle lines—think of frozen ice cracking—these aren’t flaws, but a clever effect created during firing. Back in the Song dynasty, it was used by emperors, and later exported to Europe and the Middle East, where people thought it looked like porcelain made of jade. In short, it’s the ultimate mix of subtle, classy, and timeless design.
Process of making a ceramic bong
The making of a Longquan ceramic bong follows a detailed process that blends tradition with modern design:
1. Clay selection & refining
Fine kaolin clay is chosen and washed to remove impurities, ensuring a smooth porcelain body.
2. Shaping & trimming
The bong body is shaped (by wheel or mold), then refined by trimming, carving holes, and reserving space for the bowl and smoke channel.
3. Drying
The clay piece is air-dried for several days, preventing cracks during firing.
4. Bisque firing
A low-temperature firing (around 800°C / 1470°F) hardens the body, making it easier to glaze.
5. Glazing
Glazing is done by dipping, pouring, or spraying. The kiln tradition defines the style:
- Ge kiln: gray-green glaze with bold, dramatic crackles.
- Di kiln: softer, jade-like tones with fine, delicate crackles.
6. Crackle pattern
The famous crackle (ice lines) occurs naturally as glaze and clay shrink at different rates. After firing, craftsmen rub tea, ink, or pigment into the cracks, making them stand out like frozen ice lines.
7. High-temperature firing
The piece is fired at about 1300°C (2370°F) in a reducing flame for three to five days. The reduction atmosphere gives the glaze its signature jade-green color.
8. Cooling & finishing
Cooling must be slow and natural. Traditional kilns required several days before opening. Once cooled, the surface reveals its translucent, jade-like beauty.
9. Bowl assembly
A pre-fired ceramic bowl is fitted into the finished porcelain body, completing the piece.
The result is a Longquan ceramic bong—a fusion of thousand-year-old craftsmanship with modern functionality, both collectible and practical. And to ensure peace of mind, every batch of our ceramics goes through FDA-level safety testing, so you can enjoy the elegance of this artwork with complete confidence.