Ming Dynasty, Anonymous, Bowl with Design of Lotus Pond and Fish in Underglaze Cobalt Blue and Carved Decoration
The bowl has a flared mouth, curved walls, and a short ring foot. The exterior is covered with a blue glaze, under which a lotus pond and fish pattern are carved. The interior and the base are coated with a white glaze that carries a bluish tint. The blue glaze is uneven in shade, appearing translucent and white in lighter areas, with a surface covered in fine crackling and an uneven texture. Under magnification, the carved lines reveal a blue glaze that resembles peacock green, displaying a vibrant hue. The foot ring is flat-cut and unglazed, revealing a fine, dense texture. Although the piece bears no mark, its form, body and glaze, and decorative motifs are typical of Xuande products.
“Splashed blue” glaze was first fired during the Xuande period. Due to its resemblance to snowflakes hidden within the blue glaze, it is also known as “snowflake blue,” and was referred to in the Qing Dynasty as “blown blue” or “blown azure.” Xuande splashed blue wares are extremely rare, with the most commonly seen examples being splashed blue bowls carved with dragon designs. However, a flared-mouth bowl with a mark, identical in shape to this one, has been excavated from Zhushan in Jingdezhen.
