12th–13th century
Diameter: 18.75 cm
A large black-glazed stoneware bowl dating to the 12th–13th century, produced at one of the ceramic workshops of Henan or Hebei in northern China. The piece may be attributed to either the late Song Dynasty or Jin Dynasty, a period in which northern kilns developed a wide range of robust stonewares with dark iron-rich glazes.
The interior is covered in a thick, glossy black glaze that continues over the rim and partially down the exterior. The glaze gathers more heavily in places, producing subtle variations in depth and tone across the surface. Much of the underside remains unglazed, revealing the pale creamy stoneware body and the substantial circular foot.
The contrast between the deep black glaze and exposed pale body gives the bowl a strong, restrained appearance. Its substantial proportions and simple form reflect the practical yet refined character of northern Chinese stoneware production during the Song–Jin period.
Measuring 18.75 cm in diameter, the bowl is of generous size and remains in fine condition, with only minimal surface wear. It gives a clear ring when lightly tapped and shows no visible restoration or repair.
Provenance: From a large private English collection. Acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London, in 2006.
This is a particularly attractive example of Song–Jin black-glazed stoneware, combining a bold monochrome surface with the robust body and understated form associated with northern Chinese ceramics of the 12th and 13th centuries.
12th–13th century
Diameter: 18.75 cm
A large black-glazed stoneware bowl dating to the 12th–13th century, produced at one of the ceramic workshops of Henan or Hebei in northern China. The piece may be attributed to either the late Song Dynasty or Jin Dynasty, a period in which northern kilns developed a wide range of robust stonewares with dark iron-rich glazes.
The interior is covered in a thick, glossy black glaze that continues over the rim and partially down the exterior. The glaze gathers more heavily in places, producing subtle variations in depth and tone across the surface. Much of the underside remains unglazed, revealing the pale creamy stoneware body and the substantial circular foot.
The contrast between the deep black glaze and exposed pale body gives the bowl a strong, restrained appearance. Its substantial proportions and simple form reflect the practical yet refined character of northern Chinese stoneware production during the Song–Jin period.
Measuring 18.75 cm in diameter, the bowl is of generous size and remains in fine condition, with only minimal surface wear. It gives a clear ring when lightly tapped and shows no visible restoration or repair.
Provenance: From a large private English collection. Acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London, in 2006.
This is a particularly attractive example of Song–Jin black-glazed stoneware, combining a bold monochrome surface with the robust body and understated form associated with northern Chinese ceramics of the 12th and 13th centuries.
