Fine Art

Song Dynasty Jian Kiln Oil-Spot Tea Bowl

Period

Southern Song dynasty, 12th–13th century

Origin

Jianyang, Fujian

Dimensions

Diameter 12.1 cm

Looking down into the bowl, the black glaze is scattered with silvery oil spots — yohen-like crystallisations that catch the light as one turns the piece. The rim fires a warm rust. Oil-spot glazes are among the rarer Jian effects, and this example is well centred, the spots even across the well.