Small Metal-Form Bowl
8th century
Physical Qualities
Earthenware with blue lead glaze, 1 3/4 H x 4 1/2 Diam. in. (4.5 x 11.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Lawrason Riggs of J
Object Number
1945.59.16
Cobalt pigment was first used to color Chinese glazes blue during the Tang dynasty. The origin of the colorant is uncertain. It may have come from glass imported from the West, or from raw materials imported for making glass in China. The mineral ore may also have come from a mine within China, possibly Jingchang in Gansu province. Blue glazes were used on mortuary pottery, such as this dish, or to decorate vessels exported to the Middle East from the port at Yangzhou in Jiangsu province.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1945; Lawrason Riggs of J, Baltimore, from his uncle; General Lawrason Riggs, Baltimore (1861-1940); Ralph M. Chait, New York
Frances Klapthor, Chinese Ceramics, Baltimore: BMA, 1993, no. 15, p. 26, ill. p. 27.
Markings: Ralph M. Chait dealer label on bottom of foot
