AMBER-GLAZED DISH WITH INCISED FLORAL DESIGN
LIAO DYNASTY (907-1125)
34 cm diameter, 9.4 cm high
The large pottery dish is supported on a foot rim, rising to deep rounded sides ending in an everted rim. The interior is finely incised at the centre with an elegant foliate design with two mirrored lotus blooms. The dish is covered in a rich amber glaze over a layer of white slip, the base is left unglazed. On the interior three small spur marks are visible.
The present dish stands out for its deep, warm amber-brown lead glaze and delicate floral design. Additionally, the dish is remarkable for its immaculate condition, including that of the clear glaze, which has retained its lustre.
A Liao dish of similar size and shape, yet undecorated, is illustrated in Tie Yuan, Xi Ming and Xu Qingquan (eds.), The Appraisal of Song and Liao Ceramics, 2000, p. 76, pls. 170-1 and 170-2. For a Liao ewer with comparable incised floral decoration, see the abovementioned publication, p. 18, pl. 15-1 and 15-2.
Another similar dish is illustrated in C. Noppe et al., Art Chinois Néolithique, Dynastie Song. Collection Umberto Draghi, 1990, no. 67.
Provenance:
Ben Janssens Oriental Art, London
Formerly in a British private collection
Published:
Ben Janssens Oriental Art, TEFAF Catalogue, 2000, pp. 32-33