Final answer:
High-fired, opaque, vitrified ceramic ware refers to porcelain that is both non-porous and translucent. Such ceramics often feature a lusterware glaze with iridescence or an opaque white tin-glaze, reflecting the influence of Islamic art. Ming Dynasty porcelains are notable examples of this type of ceramic, being highly valued for their beauty and craftsmanship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of high-fired, opaque, vitrified ceramic ware typically refers to a type of porcelain that is created to be non-porous and translucent. The raw materials for this ceramic, such as kaolin clay, porcelain stone, or their combination, confer the fine white quality of the porcelain. The process of firing under controlled oxidizing conditions, where the amount of oxygen is regulated, leads to the high-fired nature of the ceramic, resulting in a durable and glassy material that is often called vitrified.
Lusterware represents a special type of ceramic ware where a metallic glaze is applied to pottery to create an iridescent shine. This is achieved through a secondary firing process at a lower temperature than the initial firing. Furthermore, the use of tin-glazing forms an opaque white gloss that is distinctive of certain ceramic styles. Such techniques and the inclusion of cobalt blue from Iran reflect the influence of the Islamic world on the designs and decorations of these porcelains.
The skillful firing in kilns, either updraft or open-pit, as well as the use of glazes like those found on Ru ware bowls, contribute to the art and complexity of these ceramics, making them valuable for both their form and function. Ming Dynasty porcelains are a prime example of high-fired, vitrified ware, revered for their thinness, smoothness, and aesthetic designs, which made them coveted items in both Islamic and European trade routes.