Mr. T.T. Chen, an amateur dedicated Chinese modern ceramic artist, an retired CAF pilot from Taiwan, has succeeded in discovering new techniques to develop various kinds of new ""Peach-Bloom", "Copper Red and Copper Green" glaze, after decades of research and study.

The new techniques, which are regarded by the ceramic society as unrivaled, break with traditional methods and move forward into a new era. Mr. Chen previously reproduced several famous ancient Chinese glazes. His masterpieces represent the best of contemporary works and also recall the glory of the past. Since the mass media first reported the story of his success, Mr. Chen has received considerable attention as well as the enormous esteem and respect of art critics and ceramic experts from around the world. He is also the recipient of the "contribution to ceramic Research" award from ceramic society, Republic of China. Because Mr. Chen uses a small kiln in his research, and is meticulous in carrying out the extremely difficult kiln fire procedures, the success rate for producing a good piece of work is very low. Consequently, all of his works are very precious, and are considered the best of contemporary masterpieces. There if no doubt that his creations have already surpassed those of an older generation. Ceramic lovers over the world continually visit his studio and purchase his beautiful works as additions to heir art collections. ( For example: The Chinese National Palace Museum borrowed six of his works for "the contemporary Art exhibit." The Chinese National Historical Museum willingly paid a high sum of money to purchase two of his works for its permanent collection. Twin Oaks, U.S.A. collected five pieces, etc.) Description The ceramic society recognizes that the " copper Red" and" copper Green" glazes must be produced under entirely different conditions. The" copper Red" is produced by reduction of oxygen while the "Copper green" is produced with oxidation in the kiln. These two colors are extremely sensitive and unpredictable, and it is very hard to apply both of them to the same piece. Yet the colorful and not interface with each other. They can be integrated into the same piece of work to enduring beautiful pieces. This effort, indeed, is the most valuable breakthrough in technique for the world of ceramics, and has made the dream of a shining copper color a reality. During the time of the Chinese Emperor Chien Lung(1736-1796)of the Chien Dynasty, the royal kiln manufactured a kind of copper red and copper green glaze which became the world-famous "Peach Bloom" glaze. The "Peach Bloom" glaze had copper Green spots on top of Copper Red ones, and appeared, as the ancient poem described:" Green as the spring water in early morning. Red as the rising sun at dawn." Due to the difficultly of controlling and duplication production techniques, few fine work with the "Peach Bloom" glaze remain. Experts and scholars recognize that the technique for producing this glaze is superb, and many of them have for years researched and discussed the kiln transformation method, but without achieving a major breakthrough. Mr. Chen's methods surpass the ancient ones. He can not only control the timing process to effect the various changes to obtain the copper color, but he can also combine the Copper Red and Copper Green into a gorgeous work of art. He can even use the kiln fire to replace the pen and brush for drawing abstract waterink pictures in the works. His creations surprise people and are also treasured by them. At present, Mr. Chen is continuing his research to improve his work. We believe that he will present us with another great achievement in the future.

 Ming. S. Kerg, Ph.D.(Chemistry) Case Western Reserve University Date: July 1. 1986