NORTHERN SONG-JIN DYNASTY (AD 960-1234)

As noted in the catalogue note for lot 837, the technique employed for 'marbled' or jiaotai wares was challenging for potters, but achieved striking results. It is also interesting to note that although formerly thought to be derived from the tixi multi-colored lacquer tradition, recent scholarship finds the inspiration to have more likely come from marbelized glasswares of the ancient Near East. Such pieces have been found in excavations as far as Afghanistan and Korea. Evidentally Tang potters of the early 8th century adapted this technique to pottery, creating the world's earliest form of marbelized ceramics. For further discussion, refer to Wu Tung, Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 2001, p. 39. A slightly larger bowl of similar shape and pattern, with the cream-tone clay more prominent, was sold at Christie's New York, 24-25 March 2022, lot 1093.