Southern Song Dynasty Jizhou Kiln Tortoiseshell Glazed Tea Bowl (12th–13th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: 9.7 cm (3.82 inches) in diameter, 5.5 cm (2.17 inches) in height, approximately 0.18 feet; 12th-13th century. Condition and Provenance: Overall well-preserved, with natural aging of the glaze and a warm patina. The bowl retains the tortoiseshell glaze with kiln-transformation patterns, showing only minor wear and chips, with no major cracks or structural damage. Provenance: Formerly owned by a private collector in Hong Kong, later acquired by an Asian art collection institution in California, USA. Description: This Jizhou ware tortoiseshell-glazed tea bowl is a classic Song Dynasty tea utensil, measuring 9.7 cm in diameter and 5.5 cm in height. The rim flares outwards, the glaze naturally forming petal-like ripples, the body is rounded and sloping, and the foot is low and stable. The vessel is well-proportioned and profoundly shaped, perfectly suited to the brewing methods and tea competitions of the Song Dynasty. The body is made of local coarse-grained clay, exhibiting a warm beige hue and fine mineral particles, reflecting the unique style of Jizhou ware. The unglazed foot rim reveals traces of hand-shaping, including concentric wheel marks from the throwing process. Both the interior and exterior of the bowl are covered in a rich, dark brown glaze, exhibiting natural crackle patterns and flowing, dark brown tortoiseshell-like textures—formed by the kiln firing process itself. Scattered milky-white mineral particles blend with the dark brown and black glaze, creating a unique surface resembling the natural patterns of tortoiseshell. Every part of the glaze shows traces of the natural flow and changes during the firing process. Jizhou ware tortoiseshell glaze represents the pinnacle of Song Dynasty folk ceramic art; its beauty stems from the ingenious combination of craftsmanship and firing, rather than elaborate painted decorations. This bowl embodies the elegant simplicity of Song Dynasty tea culture and is highly regarded for its historical significance, natural kiln firing effects, and exquisite ceramic craftsmanship.

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