Example of Scientific Expert Report on an Authentic Guan Yao Vase (Bamboo-Form Bottle), Based on the Diagnostic Protocol (2025.08)

Author: Prof. Nona Dronova, PhD, DrSc
DOI of Diagnostic Protocol: 10.5281/zenodo.16732927

1. Object Identification

Type: Vase (bottle in the form of bamboo)
Estimated Date: Southern Song / Early Yuan
Origin: Guan yao kiln system (presumably from Laohudong context)
Material: High-fired ceramic with crystalline glaze

2. Glaze Color Classification

CIELAB (visually estimated): L* ≈ 62, a* ≈ −1, b* ≈ +3
Tone: Neutral Dust-Bronze Hue with olive-grey microgradients
Color Type: Falls into the grey matte category as defined in Section II of the Protocol
Observed Variation: Ranges from soft olive-grey (shoulder area) to slightly warmer honey-brown near the base

3. Optical Effects

• Butter-Honey Optical Shift: Confirmed — under side lighting, a soft warm creamy-yellow shift is observed

• Crystalline Dust-Matte Texture: Visible under 30–60× magnification; matte scattering due to glaze microcrystals

• Edge-Lamella Effect: Observed at transitions between bamboo segments

• Gunmetal Sheen: Present; micro-iridescence and dark reflective gloss visible under raking light

4. Crackle Network (Craquelure)

Type: Single-color, colorless craquelure, corresponding to the Huiqing subtype
Color of Lines: No coloration — crackle lines are transparent
Distribution: Evenly distributed across shoulder and base, visible under macro lens
Transitional Behavior: Local bifurcations and confluences observed near the foot

5. Structural Features

Profile: Vertical bamboo-segmented neck, rounded shoulder, short base
Relief Modeling: Formed without press molds, continuous smooth modeling — indicative of the Cheng Ni Wei Fan method
Body Color: Light grey stoneware body, clearly visible in footring area under microscope

6. Footring and Support Traces

Footring: Flat, unmarked
Support Scars: Microscopic triangular marks on the base — likely from 3–5 firing spurs
Firing Zone: Distinct darkening in the basal ring area consistent with a reducing kiln atmosphere

7. Microstructure and Glaze Surface (Microscopy)

At 30×–100× magnification:

• Crystalline matte surface with anorthite-dominant glaze structure

• Fine bubble inclusions scattered throughout

• Irregular crystal clusters near the footring — indicating glaze layering

• No signs of modern polishing, synthetic pigments, or restoration

8. Diagnostic Conclusion

According to the Diagnostic Protocol for Authentic Guan Yao Ware (Version 2025.08), the examined object meets all required criteria:

• Reproducible glaze colorimetry

• Distinctive single-color, colorless crackle network

• Verified optical effects (Gunmetal Sheen, Butter-Honey Optical Shift)

• Constructive evidence of traditional firing and footring structure

• Absence of modern imitation tools, pigments, or repair

Conclusion: The vase is an authentic Guan yao artifact from the Southern Song / Early Yuan period.

9. References

• Dronova, N. (2025). Diagnostic Protocol for Authentic Guan Yao Ceramics. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16732927

• Ye Zhemin (叶喆民). 《“官窑”试论》

• Kyoto Ceramics Journal. Glaze Consolidation in Late Guan Ware. 2019

• Qingliangsi Guan Kiln Excavation Bulletin, CNKI, 2022

• Palace Museum Collections Series 《文物珍品大系》

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