A humanities research team led by Professor Yi Degang of the College of Humanities at Donghua University (DHU), in collaboration with a team headed by Researcher Li Qijiang from Jingdezhen Ceramic University, has published a new study titled “Research on Traditional Craftsmanship of ‘Shengfanhong’” in the authoritative heritage journal npj Heritage Science. The journal officially became part of the Nature Portfolio on January 1, 2025.
The paper is authored by Wu Anjian, a doctoral student from DHU’s College of Humanities, with Professor Yi Degang and Researcher Li Qijiang serving as corresponding authors. Donghua University is listed as the first affiliated institution. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and DHU’s 2025 Humanities and Social Sciences Discipline Development and Major Pre-research Programs.
The preparation technique of Shengfanhong occupies an important position in the coloration system of fanhong ceramic glazes and holds significant value for the study of traditional craftsmanship. Adopting an experimental archaeology approach, the study investigates the scientific mechanisms underlying the traditional Shengfanhong process. A range of analytical methods—including DSC–TG, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), chromaticity analysis, and particle-size analysis—were employed to decode the “tacit knowledge” embedded in historical production practices, thereby enriching the technical and historical understanding of the craft.
The research identifies three core mechanisms underpinning traditional Shengfanhong production: precise control of calcination temperature, validation of the rinsing process, and particle-size grading. The findings demonstrate that the excellence of this traditional technique arises from empirically optimized interactions among thermochemistry, reaction engineering, and particle science, offering fresh insights into the scientific foundations of historical craftsmanship.
Original article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s40494-025-02226-4
