Sang de Boeuf Vase

A Chinese sang de boeuf glazed porcelain bottle vase.

Sang de boeuf glaze, also known as oxblood glaze, is a type of high-fired Chinese porcelain glaze that mimics the color of fresh ox blood. It is created using copper oxide as the primary colorant, and the distinctive red hue is achieved through a complex reduction firing process. The glaze's appearance can vary significantly depending on the precise chemical composition, firing temperature, and atmosphere, often resulting in mottled effects, streaks, and a crackled surface. This type of glaze has a long history in Chinese ceramics, with its peak popularity during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These vases were highly prized for their aesthetic beauty and the technical mastery required to produce them. Reproductions and pieces inspired by these classic glazes have been made throughout subsequent centuries, making dating and authentication crucial for collectors.