The thirteenth-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), such as this bowl decorated with boys playing among lotus. This “100 boys” theme has been popular throughout Chinese history. Gifts to couples on the occasion of their wedding or another festive occasion were often references to the hope for many sons. The shaped of this bowl imitates more costly lobed silver or gold bowls.
Details
| Artist | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Title |
|
| Date | ca. 1200 |
| Medium | Porcelain with "shadow blue" glaze |
| Dimensions | Overall: 7 1/2 × 1 3/4 inches (19.1 × 4.4 cm) |
| Credit Line | Founders Society Purchase, with funds from the Friends of Asian Art and Dr. John V. and Annette Balian |
| Accession Number | 1991.169 |
| Department | Asian Art |
| Not On View |
Provenance
May 28, 1991, sold by (Sotheby's, lot #199, sale #6185, New York, New York, USA );
1991-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
1991-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
Published References
Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Sales cat., Sotheby's. New York, May 28, 1991, lot 199.