Chinese Song Dynasty Black Glazed Leaf Bowl with Twin Impressions, Jizhou Kiln, 11–13C #5307

width: approx. 14cm (5 1⁄2in)
height: approx. 5cm (1 31⁄32in)
weight: 274g

This is a rare black-glazed tea bowl from the Jizhou kilns of the Song dynasty (960–1279), featuring the distinctive and poetic technique of firing real leaves onto the inner surface. What sets this piece apart is the symmetrical arrangement of two vibrant leaf impressions, which are clearly visible in warm amber tones beneath the lustrous black glaze. The leaves' delicate veins and organic shapes evoke the ephemeral beauty of nature, a value deeply revered in Song aesthetics and echoed in the tea ceremony's philosophy. The bowl is well-formed, with a thin, even wall and a slightly everted rim. The footring is unglazed, revealing the buff-colored body clay typical of Jizhou ware. The piece is in excellent condition, showing no visible chips or restoration, and retains its original sheen and texture. As both a vessel of daily use and an object of contemplation, this bowl exemplifies the sophisticated taste and technical ingenuity of Song dynasty ceramics.