Art Institute of Chicago

Conical Bowl with Decoration of Three Leaves

China

Date

Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), 12th/13th century

Medium

Jizhou ware; glazed stoneware with kiln transmutations

Culture

China

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This tea bowl is a fine example of the renowned Jizhou ware, which is famous for the subtle leaf-shaped imprint against the dark glaze on the object interior. This effect is believed to be achieved by placing real leaves covered in the glaze mixture on the vessel surface before firing. The leaves would then be burnt away in the kiln, leaving behind their traces. Another hallmark of the Jizhou ware is the "tortoiseshell glaze," created by applying light-brown splashes on the darker surface in imitation of tortoiseshell. This pattern can also be observed on the interior of this tea bowl.

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