The copper red glazes, with particular reference to the work of Bernard Moore

Hall, Donald Alfred (1984) The copper red glazes, with particular reference to the work of Bernard Moore. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Polytechnic.

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Abstract

Copper red monochrome glazes, although rare, came to prominence in China during the Ming Dynasty and have subsequently attracted the interest of potters and collectors alike. The recipes and means of production were kept secret and frequently destroyed by their originators, thus adding to the mysteries of the field. This thesis investigates all aspects of the history of the arcane copper red glazes, in particular the high temperature glazes, and provides the physical results of practical experiments which I have made in order to test the theoretical propositions embodied in the thesis. The emergence of an acute interest in the glazes during the nineteenth century is evident in France, Germany and England. This development is traced through the scientists at Sevres and Berlin as well as the work of individual potters, culminating in an extensive study of the work of Bernard Moore (1850-1935), with particular reference to his contribution to the copper red glazes. In addition the work of Bernard Moore's artists and decorators is reviewed. As a result of the practical tests I have established one of the methods used by Moore to produce his low temperature copper red glazes as well as proposing the most likely methods he employed for high temperature glazes. The thesis is supported by appendices which catalogue Moore's work to be found in the major museums and collated technical information on recipes, methods and tests.