Incense bowl. Ming style. Japan, 17th century.
Glazed porcelain.
With Emperor Chenghua's mark on the base.
The edges of the bowl are chipped.
Measurements: 9 x 10.5 x 10.5 cm.
Japanese bowl inspired by Chinese models from the Ming period, specifically from the reign of Emperor Chenghua (15th century). It is decorated with underglaze cobalt-blue enamel, with depictions of Taoist trigrams.
Chenghua's reign was one of peace and stability, a time when porcelain of the highest quality was produced. The paste is very pure and white, and is covered with a glaze with a low calcium oxide content, which gives it a very special transparency, without bubbles or irregularities. This transparency gives the cobalt-blue glaze a smoother appearance than in previous periods. This enamel will now be made only with native cobalt. The most famous pieces of this period are imperial pieces, known as palace bowls, now differentiated by a more open decoration, with more white space. In addition, motifs such as the two parallel lines on the foot are repeated. The motifs are outlined in dark tones and filled with a more watered-down cobalt, as seen here.