Northern Song celadon bowl with floral decoration - Jepara shipwreck - 19 cm

Description

Rare Northern Song celadon bowl from the famous Jepara shipwreck, with embossed floral decoration and beautiful soft green glaze.

This impressive bowl, with a diameter of 19 cm and a height of 7 cm, is decorated with a subtle floral representation in relief on the inside, visible under the semi-transparent celadon glaze. The rim and outer side are sleek and elegant, which enhances the inside.

Origin & meaning
This object is part of the finds from the Jepara shipwreck, a major maritime archaeological discovery that uncovered the trade routes of the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). The floral motifs often symbolised prosperity, purity and harmony in Chinese culture. The bowl was probably used as a luxury serving bowl or ceremonial object, destined for export to the Southeast Asian market. The floral relief decoration is characteristic of refined Song ceramics, in which the potter first carved or pressed the design into the clay before covering it completely with glaze.

Dimensions
Diameter: 19 cm
Height: 7 cm