Song Dynasty Jian Ware Blue Yohen-Glazed Conical Tea Bowl with “Gong Yu” (Imperial Tribute) Mark

拍品描述

Dimensions: 20.5 cm (8.07 in) in diameter, 10 cm (3.94 in) in height, 12th-13th century. Condition and Provenance: Excellent overall condition, intact without cracks, defects, or repairs. The exquisite blue glaze is well-preserved, with natural and evident kiln firing marks. The base is clearly marked with the "Gong Yu" mark. The iron-colored body is distinct, showing signs of flint firing. Excavated from the original kiln. Private collection, Hong Kong. Description: This magnificent large Jian ware tea bowl showcases the classic conical shape commonly used in Song Dynasty tea ceremony competitions. The wide, flared rim, elegant conical walls, and compact foot create a powerful yet graceful silhouette, while the thick body embodies the refined proportions expected of high-quality Jian ware. The exquisite blue glaze, both inside and out, showcases one of the most striking natural effects of the kiln firing process. At the center of the vessel, vibrant colors such as cobalt blue, violet, emerald green, and deep black radiate outwards like starlight, reminiscent of a dazzling galaxy. On the deep glaze base, flowing bright blue glaze cascades down like water, dotted with scattered golden speckles, further enhancing the glaze's depth and dynamism. During firing, the rim naturally thinned, revealing the characteristic brown edge of Song Dynasty Jian ware bowls, highly prized by collectors. The exposed foot rim showcases the dense, iron-rich body characteristic of Jian ware, while the bottom retains natural kiln sand, flint-red firing marks, and the inscribed character "恭佑" (Gongyou), features traditionally associated with imperial tribute. This bowl was fired in a traditional wood-fired dragon kiln. At extremely high temperatures, the mineral-rich glaze naturally flowed and crystallized, creating its extraordinary "foreign-style" effect, making each extant Jian ware bowl unique. During the Song Dynasty, Jian ware tea bowls, renowned for their superior tea-brewing properties, became the preferred vessels for royalty and literati. This bowl, combining exquisite craftsmanship, the beauty of kiln transformation, and historical value, is a masterpiece of Song Dynasty Jian ware porcelain and one of the most coveted shapes in the series.

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