Glazes before the Ming dynasty were usually translucent giving the finished piece a polished effect. Porcelain makers during the Ming dynasty began to experiment with the glazing process. Through the use of an oxidizing agent the glaze was able to assume colored forms. This colored base glaze was applied to the piece and then fired in the kiln.
原本透明光滑的釉，如加入氧化金屬為顏料，經火著燒，就成為「色釉」。