Analysis of porcelain unearthed from Liu Zi Canal Ruins — A case study of a white glazed cup with carved lotus petals and a greenish white glazed bowl

Two porcelains which waited for repairing were studied by several instruments, such as polarized light microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and dilatometer. The results show that the sample （inside the white glazed cup with carved lotus petals） contains a lot of angular quartz grains and dark iron minerals, and the main filler in the carved pattern is iron minerals. While in another sample (inside the body of the greenish white glazed bowl) more grinded clinker particles are found. It is concluded that the vessels may have been made in Xiao kiln and Jingdezhen kiln. The pollutants on the surface of the porcelains are soil rust and iron rust.