Artwork Page for Black Glazed Teabowl

Details / Information for Black Glazed Teabowl

Black Glazed Teabowl

建窯兔毫斗笠碗

1100s–1200s

China, Fujian province, Southern Song dynasty

(1127-1279)
Medium
Stoneware with opaque dark brown glaze, Jian ware
Measurements
Overall: 5.3 x 14 cm (2 1/16 x 5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.176
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Jian ware was made in Fujian province, first in kilns at Jian’an and later at Jianyang.

Description

This teabowl exhibits a shiny almost mirror-black, thick glaze that runs down from the mouth showing fine, bluish-brown streaks around the rim. The Northern Song dynasty emperor Huizong (徽宗, reigned 1100–1126) once referred to the markings as “hare’s fur.” The emperor also remarked that Jian bowls should be deep and wide to allow tea powder to be whisked sufficiently in the bowl. The contrast between the tea’s white foam and the dark glaze was appreciated by connoisseurs. The thick walls and conical shape of the bowls were ideal for keeping tea hot and frothy.
A stoneware vessel takes the shape of a wide, shallow cone resting on a narrow foot. A dark glaze transitions from black at the base to a warm reddish-brown at the rim. Fine, vertical streaks of amber run down the sides, creating a fur-like texture. The base remains unglazed, exposing textured, tan stoneware. Light catches the rim, emphasizing the flared silhouette and the glossy interior mirroring the exterior's finish.

Black Glazed Teabowl

1100s–1200s

China, Fujian province, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

    Update or Correct Artwork Information

    Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

    Report a Website Issue

    Further Questions About This Artwork