Artwork
Bowl
DepartmentAsian Art
CultureChinese
Date1403-1424
Dimensionsw. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
d. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
d. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Credit LinePurchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Asian Art Acquisition Endowment
Object number78.1441
GeographyPlace madeJingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
General regionAsia
PurchasedHong Kong, Asia
DescriptionAn early Ming blue and white bowl, the exterior painted in a good tone of cobalt-blue under the stained and crackled glaze with a band of scrolling lotus between a band of key-fret around the flared rim, and small ruyi heads supported on lines radiating from the footrim which is edged with classic scroll, the interior with a composite flower scroll including pomegranate, lotus and chrysanthemum around the well, encircling a central medallion of lotus, the rim edged with a band of breaking waves.
The primary motif on both the interior and exterior of this bowl is the scrolling lotus flower. Typical of Yongle period ceramics, a wave pattern rings the inner rim, while a thunder pattern, derived from ancient Chinese bronze decoration, rings the exterior rim.
This bowl is an excellent example of the "heaped and piled" effect. Look closely at the scrolling lotus and vine decoration to see the blackish spots on the cobalt blue.
On view
Collections
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
