Shallow Dish with Boys Playing among Lotus, ca. 1200
Chinese, Southern Song dynasty, Jingdezhen
Porcelain with a pale greenish blue glaze
Founders Society Purchase with funds from the Friends of asian and Dr. John V. and Annette Balian
1991.169

The 13^th century imperial court, which patronized a number of kilns, commissioned high-fired Jingdezhen white porcelain accentuated by a sparkling translucent glaze with a definite bluish tinge known as shadow blue (yingqing). This bowl decorated with boys playing among lotus is an example of such wares. This "100 boys" theme has been popular throughout Chinese history. Gifts to couples on the occasion of their wedding or other festive occasions were often references to the hope for many sons. The shape of this bowl imitates more costly lobed silver or gold bowls.