17 glazed potsherds of Cizhou ware dated from the Song to the Qing dynasties were studied by chemical analysis and by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis on cross sections. Chemical compositions of body, engobe, and glaze were all similar. In general, firing was in an oxidizing atmosphere. Several decorative types were distinguished, with iron oxide being used for the black and brown colors, both in underglaze and overglaze applications. In the engraved decorative technique commencing in the Song dynasty, a white engobe was coated on the body followed by an iron oxide layer which was cut away from the nondesign areas; glaze was applied and the piece fired. In two sherds the glaze was in two layers: a green lead glaze and a calcium-alkali glaze. -- AATA