Identification of microstructure and chemical composition of Celadon wares from the Harireh ancient city of Kish Island, Iran

Abstract

The celadon samples of the ancient port of Harireh in Kish Island from 11^th-14^th centuries were studied. The crystallite and chemical compositions of samples were investigated using quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and simultaneous thermos-analytic (STA). Moreover, thin section petrography and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM-EDX) were applied to explore microstructural characteristics. The bulk chemical analysis of the investigated samples shows not only the high amount of K₂O and CaO as flux but also SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ as the major oxides. According to the STA and XRD results, the firing temperature of the samples is similar to the Chinese ones. The presence of mullite and moganite phases indicates a firing temperature up to 1050°C for the samples. The formation of mullite derived from kaolinite clay and is more similar to the Chinese productions rather than the Islamic. The colorant element in celadon samples is mainly Fe⁺². Chemical compositions of these celadons and Chines wares also show strong similarities in raw materials and manufacturing processes.