Jian Tenmoku Black and Blue Glazed Tea Bowl

Possibly Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279)

The deep, rounded conical sides, which have a slight flare at the top rim, are covered inside and out with a thick dark blue glaze with brownish-black spots, stopping in a thick irregular line and pooling above the foot, exposing the brown body. With Japanese fitted cloth bag (circa 1885-1920) and wood presentation box. H. 2 3/4 in., D. 4 3/4 in.

Note: The clay used for Jian ware was of a very hard, coarse grain. The inside and about two-thirds of the outside of the ware were covered with a thick, very dark glaze (coloured with iron oxide). This glaze usually stopped short of the outer base in a thick welt; it also tended to pool thickly on the inside of the vessel. Within a limited palette dominated by a purplish or bluish black or reddish brown, Jian ware had a range of variations.

Condition: Please note, the interior and exterior with abrasion commensurate with hundreds of years of use.
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