This term refers to underglaze wares with crimson patterns caused by the coloring of copper, and is also known as “shiben-beni” (bright red) glaze. The most vivid color tone was produced in the Kangxi period (1662-1722) of the Qing dynasty. The Yongzheng (1723-35) version is said to be the next best, but it is not as good as the Kangxi version. The main ingredient of this pigment seems to be a copper compound mixed with a little tin, zinc, or other metals and other non-metals, which, when fired completely at reducing temperatures, gives a brilliant red color, and when slightly oxidized, becomes underglaze indigo.
