Song Dynasty Ceramics Appraisal

Jian Ware Style Tea Bowl with Hare's Fur Glaze

This is a ceramic tea bowl, likely styled after traditional Chinese Jian ware, characterized by its distinctive 'hare's fur' or 'oil spot' glaze. The bowl exhibits a circular form with slightly flared sides and a rounded bottom. The interior of the bowl is dominated by a rich, deep reddish-brown or plum color, which transitions towards the rim into shades of purplish-blue and greyish-green. Scattered throughout the reddish interior are numerous small, irregularly shaped lighter-colored spots, some appearing more white or light grey, which are a hallmark of the 'oil spot' effect in glazes. These spots are also present along the transition zones where colors intermingle, creating a mottled, almost cosmic appearance. The rim features an unglazed or thinly glazed band of a natural, light brown stoneware color, highlighting the contrast with the vibrant interior. The exterior of the bowl is not clearly visible in this image, but given the style, it would likely feature a more subdued or contrasting glaze, and the footring would likely be unglazed. Visible are concentric rings or shallow grooves on the interior base, suggesting it was wheel-thrown and the glaze pooled slightly in these depressions. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with an even application of the complex glaze. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or repairs discernible from the provided image. The overall aesthetic is one of rustic elegance, indicative of an item designed for tea ceremonies, particularly Gongfu tea or Matcha, where the glaze's beauty is contemplated. The unevenness in the glaze color and texture and the distinct spotting are intentional effects, indicating a high-fired reduction atmosphere in the kiln.