Chinese Song Dynasty Black Glazed Leaf Bowl, 11–13C #5295

width: approx. 15.5cm (6 7⁄64in)

height: approx. 5.2cm (2 3⁄64in)

weight: 270g

This piece is a tea bowl from the Song dynasty (960–1279), distinguished by its lustrous black glaze and the rare technique of firing a real leaf directly onto the surface. The leaf motif is not merely decorative; it embodies the refined aesthetic of the era, which valued the transient beauty of nature—an ideal that resonates deeply with the spirit of the tea ceremony. The delicate veins of the leaf are vividly preserved beneath the glaze, evoking the poetic image of a solitary leaf gently falling on a quiet autumn day and captured in time. The exterior is coated in a rich, dark glaze, while the unglazed foot ring on the base is indicative of traditional Song kiln practices. The bowl remains in excellent condition, with no noticeable chips or cracks, and features a tasteful patina acquired over centuries. As both a functional tea vessel and a collectible artifact, it represents a superb example of Song ceramic artistry and serves as an important cultural reference for the appreciation of classical Chinese aesthetics.