Ming Hongwu, Large Bowl with Exterior Brown Glaze and Interior Cobalt Blue Glaze, Molded Cloud and Dragon Design
- Ming Hongwu (1368—1398)
- Height: 4 in (10.1 cm)
- Rim Diameter: 7.7 in (19.5 cm)
- Foot Diameter: 3.25 in (8.25 cm)
This bowl features a flared rim and deep body, with a thick and heavy structure, almost resembling a squat shape. It has a circular foot with an unglazed base. The exterior is coated with a dark brown glaze, while the lower part is decorated with deformed lotus petal patterns, each containing cloud motifs and hollow round beads. The interior is covered with a cobalt blue glaze with a strong glass-like quality, featuring an underglaze relief of a five-clawed dragon amidst clouds, with two dragons intertwined, both with two horns and five claws. The center of the bowl is shallowly engraved with a cloud ruyi pattern. The unglazed foot shows clear rotary marks and a "navel" protrusion typical of Yuan Dynasty porcelain-making techniques, indicating the transmission of craftsmanship from the Yuan period. This piece exhibits characteristics of its time and is likely a dual-colored glaze porcelain from the Hongwu period.
Provenance: Private Collection, San Francisco
References:
2010 Beijing Chengxuan Auction Company Autumn Auction
Dayi 2017 Autumn Auction, "Dayi Longyan" Special Exhibition, Ming Hongwu Blue Glazed Dragon Bowl
Beijing Poly 2018 Autumn Auction
Dimensions: 7.7"W x 7.7"D x 4"H

