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Jingdezhen ware
(China)
- Title
- Lotus 'lianzi' bowl
- Place of origin
-
Jingdezhen →
Jiangxi Province →
China
- Period
- Xuande 1426 - 1435 → Ming dynasty 1368 - 1644 → China
- Year
- 1426-1435
- Media category
- Ceramic
- Materials used
- porcelain in monochrome glaze
- Dimensions
-
10.6 x 21.5cm (irreg.)
- Credit
- Purchased 1988
- Accession number
- 359.1988
- Location
- Lower Asian gallery
- Further information
Chinese porcelain made in the Xuande period is the most highly esteemed by connoisseurs for the technical perfection attained in this period was rarely surpassed. This piece is a classic Ming ceramic, its shape characteristic of the first quarter of the 15th century.
This 'lianzu' or 'lotus-seed capsule' bowl often occurs decorated in underglaze blue, while the subtler, more appealing incised decoration of this bowl is far more uncommon. The shape imitates the seed pod of a lotus with the exterior of the bowl decorated with elongated 'lotus panels' and a regular key fret around the rim. The cavetto is decorated with a peony scroll in the scarcely perceptible 'secret decoration' ('anhua') so skilfully practised by Chinese potters.
Asian Art Department, AGNSW, June 1988.
