Asian Art from the okada

Exquisitely potted, the present cup is distinguished by the striking contrast between its vivid purple exterior and the luminous sky-blue glaze on the interior. This combination of colours is a hallmark of the finest Junyao ceramics. The function of this vessel as a tea bowl is indicated by the subtle indented groove just below the rim on the exterior. This distinctive feature originated at the Jian kilns in Fujian province during the Song dynasty and was subsequently widely adopted by kilns throughout both northern and southern China.