Chinese Jizhou Song dynasty style 'leaf' bowl. Glazed stoneware with the interior decorated with the pattern of a leaf.

Bowls such as this one were amongst the most celebrated stoneware coming from the Jizhou kilns in Hubei province. The naturalistic rendering of the leaf was achieved by affixing a leaf to the interior of the bowl prior to its immersion in the iron-rich slurry used for the dark-brown glaze. The natural chemics in the leaf reacted the the glaze in the high heat of the kiln, rendering it nearly transparent. It is assumed that the Chan (Zen) monks found the naturalism to their liking.
Height: 2 in x diameter: 4 3/4 in. The bowl is in great condition with no visible chips, cracks, or losses. Light wear throughout, consistent with age and use. Along the exterior of the rim, there is an unevenness to the surface and crazing started to form. When inspected under UV light, there is no visible sign of restoration. Please contact us for a detailed condition report. Please note that the lack of a condition statement does not imply perfect condition. Email condition@revereauctions.com with any condition questions.