Terracotta Base Bowl Appraisal

Two-Tone Glazed Ceramic Bowl with Terracotta Base

The item is a ceramic bowl, likely a serving bowl or deep dish bowl, characterized by its distinctive two-tone finish. The exterior, primarily visible from the side, is a pale, muted green or celadon color, exhibiting a smooth, glossy glaze that shows some minor crazing or crackling, which is a common and often desirable feature in certain ceramic glazes, indicating age or a specific firing technique. The base of the bowl, which is oval in shape, reveals the unglazed, reddish-brown terracotta or stoneware clay body. This unglazed portion has a visibly textured surface, possibly from an impression of fabric or a rough tool used during its creation, presenting a tactile contrast to the smooth glazed upper part. Near the center of the unglazed base, there is a small, notable spiral mark, possibly an impressed potter's mark or simply an decorative element, which provides a unique identifier. The transition between the glazed and unglazed sections is a clean, curved line, suggesting careful hand-dipping or a precise glazing technique. The overall construction appears robust and handcrafted, with the slightly irregular oval shape hinting at artisanal production rather than mass industrial manufacturing. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or significant damage visible, though the natural patina and variations in the glaze contribute to its character. The visible clay body suggests it could be a piece of modern studio pottery or have an East Asian aesthetic influence due to the celadon color and visible clay base, often found in traditional pottery from regions like China or Japan. The quality of craftsmanship appears good, with consistent glazing on the upper portion.