Objects for Daily Use
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Bowl China, Henan Province Northern Song period (960�1127), 12th century Stoneware with glaze with suffusions from copper filings (Jun ware) H. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); Diam. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm) Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.137 |
This small thick-bodied bowl was probably used as a household vessel. The thick blue and purple glaze, which produces an unusual optical effect, resulted from the separation of lime-rich and silica-rich glass in the thick glaze during the slow cooling process. The lime-rich glass scatters blue light, producing a strong bluish cast. The patches of lavender purple were achieved by splashing copper oxide onto the glazed, unfired body. Even though Jun ware was one of the five most renowned wares in the Song period (960�1279), it is not clear if Jun ware was used at the court.
