Song Dynasty Jizhou "Tea Leaf" Bowl

Item Details:
Dynasty: Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)
Origin: China
Material: Buff-colored ware with glaze
Dimensions: [Dimensions not provided]
Description:
This exquisite Jizhou "Tea Leaf" bowl from the Song Dynasty features a deep conical shape, rising from a short ring foot. The interior of the bowl is adorned with a resist decoration, revealing the delicate veins of a leaf in buff-colored ware. The bowl is covered overall with a rich chocolate brown to black glaze, which stops just short of the ring foot, exposing the natural buff ware beneath.

Design and Features:
Shape: The bowl has deep conical sides, a characteristic form in Jizhou ware, which was highly prized for its simplicity and elegance.
Decoration: The interior is meticulously decorated using a resist technique, where the leaf pattern remains unglazed, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding dark glaze. The natural veins of the leaf are clearly visible, showcasing the skill of the artisan.
Glaze: The rich chocolate brown to black glaze is a hallmark of Jizhou ware, known for its deep, lustrous finish that enhances the bowl's aesthetic appeal.
Condition Report:
Condition: The bowl is in good condition, with minor wear consistent with its age. It has a small chip on the rim and some firing flaws, typical of ancient ceramics.
Provenance:
Previous Ownership: Jack Nelis, Asian Antiquities, The Hague.
Acquisition: Acquired by Dr. Koos de Jong in 2015.
Collection: Dr. Koos de Jong, a renowned Dutch art historian and collector, known for his extensive research and publications on Chinese art and Dutch decorative arts.
Provenance and Historical Significance:
This bowl was once part of the collection of Dr. Koos de Jong, a respected figure in the field of art history. Dr. de Jong's extensive career includes contributions to museums across the Netherlands and the publication of numerous scholarly works. This piece, with its refined aesthetic and historical context, represents the Song Dynasty's zenith in ceramic artistry.