Song Dynasty Underwater Salvaged Jian Kiln Oil‑Spot Tea Bowl (12th‑13th Century A.D.)

拍品描述

Dimensions：Diameter 12.5cm (4.92 in), Height 6.7cm (2.64 in), 12th‑13th Century A.D.Condition & Provenance：This bowl is an underwater salvage find. The overall form remains intact. Heavy marine shell and coral encrustations adhere to exterior surface and base. Minor glaze loss along rim caused by seawater erosion. The interior oil‑spot crystalline glaze is largely preserved with original speckle patterns. The iron‑rich body remains solid, no penetrating cracks. Provenance: Private collection, Hong Kong, China. Acquired from a Southeast Asian marine antiquities dealer in 2001 and kept in private storage in Hong Kong since that time.description：This oil‑spot tea bowl from the Song‑period Jian kiln is a precious surviving export ceramic recovered from an ancient shipwreck under the sea. It adopts the classic Jian‑yao shou‑kou shape, with slightly contracted rim, full tapering body and short sturdy foot ring. The heavy iron‑rich clay body feels substantial in hand. Thick jet‑black glaze covers the bowl interior, sprinkled all over with scattered silvery‑grey oil‑spot crystal speckles of varying sizes. The spots spread naturally across the glaze surface alongside fine inherent crackle texture, characteristic of authentic Song Jian oil‑spot wares. Originally black‑glazed on outside, long‑term submersion under seawater left thick cemented marine shell deposits firmly stuck to exterior walls and base, the signature feature for underwater‑recovered ceramics. Exposed foot reveals the typical dark iron‑rich body of Jian ware with rough, unrefined trimming work. Besides domestic usage, massive quantities of Jian tea bowls were shipped overseas along the ancient Maritime Silk Road in Song times. Many cargo vessels sank in South China Sea, leaving behind salvaged examples just like this one. Even after centuries of seawater immersion, the interior oil‑spot crystals are still clearly visible. Distinct marine burial traces are retained on this piece, serving as tangible witness to prosperous Song‑era maritime trade. It delivers great research value for both ceramic history and ancient overseas commerce, making it a distinctive collectible ancient tea‑drinking artifact.

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