Frazer's Blue Celadon
Lea Ann Roddan
It may be part of the definition of "potter" that one loves a challenge. The bigger the challenge the better. This blue glaze is one such challenge. Its delicate watery color is the motivation for surmounting the challenge.
When I opened my kiln not too long ago and found 45 pieces of tableware all in this color, I was elated. It had taken six months of practice and preparation to have this success. Why?
Well, Frazer's Blue Celadon is not your average glaze. It looks this color only on porcelain clay and must be fired in early reduction to cone 10.
Let me translate: You must use the most difficult clay imaginable to form your pieces. For me porcelain is difficult to form consistently, to control in the drying process, to trim at the right moment, and to keep the handles from falling off the cups during drying. In addition, unless the final firing is not controlled for this glaze it turns greenish yellow.
I would never jinx myself by bragging that I understand how to use this glaze. The next time just might be a total failure, but for now I am very pleased with the results I have had.