Black-Glazed Teabowl with Incised Characters (供御) for “Imperial Tribute”
Unknown Artist
1100s–1200s
Medium
Brown-glazed stoneware, Jian ware
Dimensions
6.5 × 12 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift
Accession Number
2020.175
About this artwork
Teabowls with incised characters are rare. The characters 供御 (gongyu; “imperial tribute”) incised on the base of this bowl suggest that it was local annual tribute ware presented to the court. The abrasions on its rim indicate the cup was originally mounted with a metal ring that has been removed. Teacups, occasionally dressed with metal bands to cover the rough, thinly glazed lip, enhanced the experience of tasting tea and rendered the bowl more precious and appealing. When steeped tea leaves w...