Bowl
Subject
Creator
Place of Origin
Culture/Period
Date From
1127
Date To
1279
Materials
Height (cm)
4cm
Width (cm)
11.2cm
Diameter (cm)
11.2cm
Accession Number
HKU.C.1981.0853
Description
The bowl is painted with prunus under the moon, such that the blossom is an iconic symbol of the Southern Song. This may due to the fact that the blossom was flourished in the capital of Southern Song, i.e. HangZhou, and the falling of prunus represents the political instability during the period of time metaphorically. Since Southern Song is a period that prefers the pen to the sword, the composition of this design may be inspired by literati calling on the artistic conception of the beauty of blossoms under the gentle light of a crescent moon. The pairing gives a sense of tranquility.
The bowl was made of stoneware coated with white glaze inside. Song dynasty played an important role in the advancement of pottery production, many prestigious pottery kilns thrived and more technically innovative ways were adopted and glazing was a major method to make raw ceramics look mature. The ceramic was fired under high temperature. After that, glazing gave an effect of iridescence under the reflection of light and a smooth texture. While for the outside of the bowl, the texture remains raw at the bottom.
This kind of small bowl was usually used for the consumption of alcohol and tea.
The bowl was made of stoneware coated with white glaze inside. Song dynasty played an important role in the advancement of pottery production, many prestigious pottery kilns thrived and more technically innovative ways were adopted and glazing was a major method to make raw ceramics look mature. The ceramic was fired under high temperature. After that, glazing gave an effect of iridescence under the reflection of light and a smooth texture. While for the outside of the bowl, the texture remains raw at the bottom.
This kind of small bowl was usually used for the consumption of alcohol and tea.
Citation
Foo Kwan Yee, “Bowl,” 3D Objects at UMAG, accessed November 21, 2024, https://digasst.lib.hku.hk/items/show/128.