Chinese Longquan Celadon Tea Bowl with Lotus Petal Design, Song or later #5410

width: approx. 14.1cm (5 35⁄64in)
height: approx. 6.4cm (2 33⁄64in)
weight: 287g

This is a celadon tea bowl produced at the Longquan kilns, possibly dating to the Song dynasty. The bowl is characterized by its finely carved lotus petal motif encircling the body, a design that was widely favored during the period for its elegance and symbolic association with purity. It is covered in a lustrous green glaze typical of Longquan celadon, with a smooth, glassy finish that pools subtly in the carved recesses to enhance the relief of the decoration. The foot rim is left unglazed, revealing the fine-grained reddish clay body beneath. This combination of form, glaze, and motif exemplifies the refined aesthetic sensibilities of celadon wares from the Song dynasty.