Southern Song Dynasty (12th–13th Century) Jian Kiln “Yohen Tenmoku” Tea Bowl

拍品描述

Dimensions: 12 cm (4.7 inches) in diameter, 6.5 cm (2.6 inches) in height, 12th-13th century, weight unknown. Condition and Provenance: Excellent overall condition, retaining the original glossy black glaze and natural kiln firing marks. The surface displays authentic firing characteristics and signs of age. Provenance: Private collection, California, USA. Description: This Jian ware temmoku tea bowl is a highly prized example of Song dynasty teaware. Designed specifically for refined tea ceremonies and tea competitions, the bowl features the classic Jian ware inward-curving rim, slightly flared outwards, and tapering inwards below the mouth. The body is rounded and smooth, with a low, wide foot rim reflecting the traditional "shoulder-broken ring" technique. The overall proportions are balanced and elegant, offering a comfortable grip and embodying the practical design philosophy of Song dynasty tea culture. The exposed foot rim reveals the texture of the iron-rich Jian ware clay, exhibiting a deep brownish-gray hue, dense yet robust in texture. The foot rim retains natural traces of trimming, kiln firing color, and glaze flow marks from the firing process. The entire vessel is covered in a thick black glaze, with a warm brownish-gold rim. Most striking is the variation in glaze color characteristic of Jian ware, where brilliant blue-purple pearlescent patches naturally appear on the dark glaze. These luminous areas contrast beautifully with the golden-brown and bronze-colored oil-spot textures, creating an effect reminiscent of a vast starry sky. The glaze exhibits delicate crackle patterns, and the rich blue, black, and metallic tones shift and shimmer under changing light. These flowing glaze patterns are entirely formed through the high-temperature firing process, rather than being hand-painted. The exterior of the vessel also displays a vibrant pearlescent sheen, with natural glaze droplets visible near the foot. Jian ware's Yangbian Tianmu porcelain is one of the most renowned categories of Song Dynasty black-glazed ceramics. Its dark glaze is particularly suitable for observing the white foam in tea, while the ever-changing blue light and shadow effects represent the pinnacle of ancient Chinese iron-glazed ceramic techniques. This bowl is perfectly shaped, with exquisite variations in glaze color, exuding a strong artistic atmosphere. It perfectly blends the long-standing tea culture, innovative ceramic craftsmanship, and outstanding collectible value.

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