Bowl

China

12th century

Cizhou ware Stoneware with white slip and incised decor under a clear glaze

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A white ceramic bowl with incised floral and swirling designs is displayed against a dark background. The bowl is tilted, showing its interior. This dish represents a category of white Cizhou ware wherein the main motifs, usually peonies or lotuses, are set off with parallel striations created with a comb-like instrument. The floral designs are incised with a sure hand in a much freer and looser style than encountered in earlier Cizhou designs. Wall paintings in a Jin dynasty (1115-1234) tomb at Licunkou, Changzhi in Shanxi province support the stylistic evidence for Jin period dating. Gallery G204 The Alan and Dena Naylor Southeast Asian Art Fund