Rediscovering the largest kiln site in the middle Yangtze River Valley: insights into Qingbai and grey-greenish ware production at Husi kiln site based on bulk chemical analysis

Abstract This paper presents new data from the Husi kiln site, Hubei Province, China, where unusual size calls into question primacy of Jingdezhen in porcelain production medieval China. With its over 180 kilns, site rivals size, yet it has found no mention textual accounts. The wares produced at include Qingbai and grey-greenish ware Tang Song periods (seventh to thirteenth century AD). compositional obtained using LA-ICP-MS on samples five kilns Husi, comparing them with published other kilns. set apart, thus allowing for fingerprinting wares. Based bulk chemical analysis, furthermore explores idea that combined elements southern northern technologies, connecting these two ceramic traditions previously had been seen as being entirely separate. Some key early glaze resemble Jingdezhen, suggesting a connection between sites; however, recipes later differ, indicating customer base marketing strategy changed time. Furthermore, iron content is extraordinarily high, unique recipe technology independent Jingdezhen.