Tea Bowl with Calligraphic Designs
China, Jiangxi province
(Southern Song-Yuan dynasty (1127-1279))
Tea Bowl with Calligraphic Designs
DateSouthern Song-Yuan dynasty, 12th-14th century
Mediumjizhou ware, buff stoneware with painted decoration on brown-black glaze
Dimensionsobject: 1 3/4 x 5 5/8 in. (diam.)
ClassificationCERAMICS
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of Wright S. Ludington in memory of Charles Henry Ludington
Object number1983.27.36
Subject(s)
- calligraphy
Collection
- Asian
Sub-Collection(s)
- Chinese
On View
On viewLabel Text
Jian and Jizhou Stonewares, or Temmoku Tea Bowls
A special type of black ware, popularly known by the Japanese name “temmoku”, was produced in various centers in the Fujian (Jian ware), Jiangxi (Jizhou ware), and Henan provinces. The name Temmoku came from the Tianmu 天目 mountain near the city of Hangzhou, where iron-glazed Jian bowls were used for tea in Chan (or Zen) Buddhist temples. The Japanese monks who traveled to monasteries in China during the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279) brought the bowls back home. They became highly valued for tea ceremonies. By the fifteenth century, more pieces were imported from China, eventually inspiring domestic production.
China, Jiangxi province
Southern Song dynasty, 12th-13th century
China, Zhejiang province
Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)