Tea Bowl
Song dynasty (960–1279), 12th century
Medium
Jian ware; dark-gray stoneware with dark-brown glaze and overglaze “hare’s fur” markings in iron oxide
Dimensions
7.5 × 12.2 cm (2 15/16 × 4 15/16 in.); Diam.: 12.2 cm (4 15/16 in.)
Classification
drinking vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
20392
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Song dynasty potters achieved unprecedented refinement in iron-rich, chocolate brown stonewares with lustrous dark glazes. This bowl's "hare's fur" effect was formed naturally when an iron-rich slip was applied to the rim of the glazed surface. During firing, gravity pulled particles of this slip downward into the bowl, creating feathery streaks. The much-admired style of this piece originated at kilns in southeastern Fujian province, which specialized almost exclusively in conical tea bowls. T...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...