bowl BM-1920-1211.1

Period:Northern Song dynasty Production date:1100-1125
Materials:stoneware
Technique:glazed

Dimensions:Diameter: 24.30 centimetres

Description:
Bowl with lobed sides. Made of stoneware with celadon glaze. Known as the Alexander Bowl.
IMG


Comments:Made in Zhanggongxiang, first half of 12th century. So attributed by Professor Itoh Ikutaro, Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, and Mr. Wang Qingzheng, Shanghai Museum. Then thought to be the only complete piece of Northern Song Guan ware. Sherds from Zhanggongxiang kiln are in the Shanghai Museum. Complete pieces now excavated see Poly Art Museum, Beijing, exhibition in autumn 2009. (JHH, 2016) The Alexander BowlWilliam Cleverley Alexander (1840-1916) was a great British philanthropist. His daughters Jean and Rachel inherited this bowl from him and in 1920 presented it to the British Museum. Although much restored, this bowl, associated with his name, is one of the finest examples of Song ceramics. It has a beautiful six-lobed form, pale creamy –white body and attractively cracked jade-like glaze. The bowl was made in the Northern Song dynasty about 1100 to 1125 at the kilns of Zhanggongxiang 张公巷 in Ruzhou, Henan province. Scientific analysis of the glaze shows a close affinity to Ru wares.Donated by Misses Jean and Rachel Alexander 1920,1211.1