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Up for sale is this "Leaf Jizhou Tenmoku Bowl, Song Dynasty, 12C #5283" If you have any questions please contact us before buy it. No reserve.
width: approx. 15.5cm (6 7⁄64in)
height: approx. 5.6cm (2 13⁄64in)
weight: 254
origin: China
This is a "Konoha Tenmoku" (Leaf Tenmoku) tea bowl from the Jizhou kilns of the Song Dynasty (960–1279), located in Jiangxi Province, China. True to its name, this piece was created using an advanced technique in which an actual leaf was placed on the surface and fired under a dark glaze, leaving a hauntingly beautiful impression of the leaf within the glossy black background. The image of the leaf, seemingly floating on still water, evokes a serene, poetic atmosphere—one of the hallmarks of Jizhou ware’s naturalistic aesthetic.
The bowl is elegantly shaped with a gently flaring profile, and the leaf motif remains clearly visible in the interior, including fine details such as the veins and edges of the leaf, revealing the subtle movement of the glaze during firing and the skilled control of kiln temperature. There is a minor glaze skip at the rim, but overall, the surface retains a rich luster, with no significant cracks, chips, or other damage—indicating excellent preservation. The foot is left unglazed, exposing well-defined wheel marks that attest to the handcrafted nature of the bowl and the distinctive clay body used in Jizhou ware.
Konoha Tenmoku bowls have long been appreciated by Japanese tea masters for their poetic and contemplative qualities, and they continue to be highly prized by collectors today. This example, with its exceptional condition and clear design, is a superb representation of the refined aesthetic and technical excellence of Song Dynasty Jizhou ceramics. It would bring a dignified presence to any tea gathering or display.