12th–13th century
Diameter: 16.75 cm
Height: 8 cm
A substantial Cizhou stoneware bowl dating to the 12th–13th century, most likely from the Jin period, though related examples may also be attributed to the late Song or early Yuan dynasties. Produced at one of the Cizhou kilns of Henan or Hebei in northern China, the bowl is decorated with a striking combination of black and russet-coloured glazes.
The interior is particularly attractive, with two concentric bands of alternating black and russet stripes radiating around the bowl. The contrast between the deep dark glaze and warmer iron-rich russet tones creates a bold, rhythmic surface that is characteristic of the expressive decorative language associated with northern Cizhou wares.
The exterior is covered with a thicker dark glaze that gathers and runs irregularly towards the lower body, producing natural sags and streaks from the firing process. The glaze stops short of the foot and base, exposing the pale greyish-brown stoneware body beneath. A section of glaze has run beneath the foot during firing, and the resulting chip to the footring is associated with the bowl’s removal from the kiln rather than later damage.
Measuring 16.75 cm in diameter and 8 cm in height, the bowl is of generous size and remains in fine condition, with no visible restoration or repair.
Provenance: From a large private English collection. Acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London, in 2000.
This bowl is a strong example of Song–Jin period Cizhou ware, combining bold abstract glaze decoration with the robust stoneware body and spontaneous kiln effects for which northern Chinese ceramics are especially admired.
12th–13th century
Diameter: 16.75 cm
Height: 8 cm
A substantial Cizhou stoneware bowl dating to the 12th–13th century, most likely from the Jin period, though related examples may also be attributed to the late Song or early Yuan dynasties. Produced at one of the Cizhou kilns of Henan or Hebei in northern China, the bowl is decorated with a striking combination of black and russet-coloured glazes.
The interior is particularly attractive, with two concentric bands of alternating black and russet stripes radiating around the bowl. The contrast between the deep dark glaze and warmer iron-rich russet tones creates a bold, rhythmic surface that is characteristic of the expressive decorative language associated with northern Cizhou wares.
The exterior is covered with a thicker dark glaze that gathers and runs irregularly towards the lower body, producing natural sags and streaks from the firing process. The glaze stops short of the foot and base, exposing the pale greyish-brown stoneware body beneath. A section of glaze has run beneath the foot during firing, and the resulting chip to the footring is associated with the bowl’s removal from the kiln rather than later damage.
Measuring 16.75 cm in diameter and 8 cm in height, the bowl is of generous size and remains in fine condition, with no visible restoration or repair.
Provenance: From a large private English collection. Acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London, in 2000.
This bowl is a strong example of Song–Jin period Cizhou ware, combining bold abstract glaze decoration with the robust stoneware body and spontaneous kiln effects for which northern Chinese ceramics are especially admired.
