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Bowl

12th century

China, Henan Province

Stoneware with glaze with suffusions from copper filings (Jun ware)

H. 1 3/4 x Diam. 3 3/8 in. (4.4 x 8.6 cm)

Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection, 1979.137

The bright purple splashes in the glaze on this small bowl are characteristic features of Jun ware. These bursts of color were created by adding filings of copper to the glaze before firing. As is the case with this bowl, the splashes on early Jun ware were applied sparingly and somewhat randomly. In later examples, the copper filings were brushed into the glaze in more structured patterns. Whether or not Jun wares were used at court remains an issue of debate. Both the thickness of the bodies of Jun ware and the spectacular purple splashes that often decorate it are cited as reasons for Jun being a popular ware.