Burrell’s collection of Song Dynasty ceramics ranges from rare items to interesting study pieces. This object has sides that curve just sufficiently to prevent it being described as conical, and a slightly everted rim. The inside of the bowl has been splashed with a slip even more highly charged with iron oxide than the black base slip and glaze, and this has resulted in matt rust-coloured markings. This glaze is known as the ‘oil spots’ pattern. This ware is associated so much with tea ware of the Zen Buddhist sect that its origin is sometimes obscured.

History of the Object

In the 10th Century, tea drinking became an important custom in Chinese society. Some famous kilns producing high-quality ware used supply the imperial court. The very best bowls were selected as tribute from Fujian to the imperial court during the Northern Song period. These kilns reached the height of their popularity in the Southern Song period and then died away as Ming porcelain came to the fore. Song Dynasty ceramics have been collected in China since the thirteenth century, and are still avidly collected throughout the world today.