A Ming Blue and White Porcelain Bowl c.1500

A Ming Porcelain Blue and White Bowl, Jingdezhen Kilns, Hongzhi (1488-1505) or Zhengde (1506 – 1521). The exterior with aquatic plants including lotus growing out from shallow freshwater.  The well of the bowl with lotus and a scrolling foliage border. The cobalt is very dark in places and can be felt through the glaze. Pieces like the present Ming Porcelain example have traditionally been referred to as `Provincial Blue and White Porcelain` because the potting and painted appear as being somewhat rustic. Sometimes `provincial` pieces have a great strength and freedom that can be lacking in more refined objects. Recent research in China has shown that there was little Blue and White Porcelain produced outside the main kiln complex of Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province. The exception might be Dehua in Fujian province but the Blue and White Porcelain production from those kilns is distinct from the kilns at Jingdezhen.

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