.14th/15th Century Blue and White Bowl
Early Ming - Xuande style
15 centimeters
diameter, 6.5 centimeters height
Fine
Condition
Finely potted with a thick, creamy glaze. The style and artistry suggests the early Ming reign of Xuande (1426-35), but possibly from the later Interregnum period (1436-64). The exterior motif has four extremely well painted floral blooms and leaves connected by a wandering vine. The method of the dark and light contrast of the wash creating highlight on the blooms reflects the quality usually seen on Imperial ware. Perhaps the artist was bound for Zhushan. The interior wall decorated with four camellia blooms on a delicate wandering vine. Within a double ring in the center is a grape sprig with grape leaves and tendrils curling out. This grape leaf motif is very rare and sought after. The discoloration to the rim is not from wear, but instead from trimming with an iron tool prior to firing. Several small areas of iron oxide discoloration show where the glaze was either thin, or void all together. Slight wear scratches on the interior. The base is glazed with the foot showing wedge shape. A few small cracks and discoloration from firing. Note the visible wear to the exposed foot biscuit on the macros. |
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