The Timeless Beauty of Ru Ware: How Niivva Revives an Ancient Craft

The Ever-Evolving Beauty of Ru Ware

Ru ware is a unique type of Chinese porcelain that never stops evolving. With each use, its surface acquires more intricate wrinkles that never crack open, giving it a lifelike quality.

The Science Behind Ru Ware’s Evolution

Ru ware’s fascinating ability to evolve comes from its high-temperature glaze. During the firing process, the clay inside expands faster than the glaze outside, causing the surface to form magnificent patterns. Each piece of Ru ware is unique because different placements in the kiln lead to varying firing temperatures and pattern formations.

Historical Significance

The manufacturing of Ru ware began over 800 years ago during the Northern Song dynasty. After the empire collapsed, production ceased. Today, only 65 pieces of Song dynasty Ru ware exist, most of which are housed in museums, with a few in private collections.

Niivva’s Revival of Ru Ware Craftsmanship

To revive the glory of Ru ware, Niivva sourced clay from Ruzhou, researched historical recipes, and endured over 1,000 trials before achieving success. By adding onyx to the original recipe, Niivva has given the glaze a unique light blue hue—bright but not harsh, resembling the sky after a rainstorm. After firing at 1,350 degrees Celsius, the teaware is adorned with a cracked ice pattern that refracts magnificent rays under different lights and angles.