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Black Glazed Teabowl

1100s–1200s
(1127-1279)
Stoneware with opaque dark brown glaze, Jian ware
Overall: 5.3 x 14 cm (2 1/16 x 5 1/2 in.)
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.176
Location: not on view
Public Domain
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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.
Black Glazed Teabowl

Black Glazed Teabowl

1100s–1200s

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

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