Browsing by Author "Vandiver, Pamela B."
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Item Research into Coal-Clay Composite Ceramics of Sichuan Province, China(Materials Research Society, 2017-04-09) Reedy, Chandra L.; Vandiver, Pamela B.; He, Ting; Xu, Ying; Wang, Yanyu; Chandra L. Reedy , Pamela B. Vandiver , Ting He , Ying Xu, and Yanyu Wang; Reedy, Chandra L.; Xu, YingA group of traditional pottery workshops in Sichuan Province, China, produce a unique coal-clay composite ceramic that is fired using a similarly unique kiln design and two-stage firing procedure not seen in any other ceramic tradition. Here we report on field and laboratory efforts to better understand this unusual ceramic material and technology, the functional advantages as cookware, braziers, and large storage vessels that include high strength and high thermal shock resistance, and the cultural context that supported the creativity and experimentation needed to develop such an innovative technology.Item Talc-Rich Black Tibetan Pottery of Derge County, Sichuan Province, China(Materials Research Society, 2017-04-09) Reedy, Chandra L.; Vandiver, Pamela B.; He, Ting; Xu, Ying; Chandra L. Reedy, Pamela B. Vandiver, Ting He, and Ying Xu; Reedy, Chandra L.Unusual raw materials are used to produce Tibetan black pottery in Puma township of Derge County, Sichuan Province, China. Carbonaceous, calcareous pyrite-rich illitic lakebed clay is mixed in equal proportions with a ferruginous talc-chlorite steatite. A two-stage firing process results in a dark, lustrous surface. The large amount of talc imparts many useful functional qualities to this pottery; most significant are the low thermal expansion and good thermal conduction properties of talc that make these ceramics highly suitable for heating and cooking in this high mountain region. Although used in some modern ceramics, and even in modern stoves, talc is an unusual ingredient in non-industrialized ceramics. Procurement and preparation of this resource adds to the production time but its properties and performance make talc an excellent choice for the well-being and comfort of local Tibetan households.