Song Dynasty Qingbai Porcelain Bowl

Southern Song Dynasty, 1127–1275 AD, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China

An exceptionally delicate and finely potted small porcelain bowl resting on a shallow footrim, likely produced at one of the famed Jingdezhen kilns in Jiangxi Province. The bowl is coated in a luminous pale bluish-green Qingbai glaze with soft beige undertones and a network of beautiful brown crackling. Both the rim and the footrim remain unglazed, revealing the fine white porcelain body beneath.

The Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) is celebrated as the golden age of Chinese ceramics, distinguished by graceful forms, balanced proportions, and subtle, poetic glazes. During the Southern Song period, Jingdezhen emerged as the leading production center of Qingbai porcelain, renowned for its cool, translucent glaze and refined craftsmanship.

This exquisite bowl exemplifies the understated sophistication of the Song aesthetic—an art of restraint and purity that values natural harmony over ornamentation. A timeless embodiment of elegance and technical mastery from one of China’s most celebrated ceramic traditions.

Excellent condition. Intact, there is no sign of restoration or repair. Small chips in the rim and surface wear consistent with age and use. Discolouring and abrasion. Glazing flaws and fritting. Size approx. 14,9cm x 14,9cm x 4,0cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

Song to Yuan dynasties 960–1350, National Palace Museum, Taipei.(https://www.npm.edu.tw/exh99/ceramics/en/page-3.html#main)

The Enchantment of Song, Ying Jang & Annika Waenerberg, 2002, Academia.(https://www.academia.edu/10582197/The_Enchantment_of_Song)