Teabowl

12th-13th century

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Jian kilns

Teabowl

Jian kilns

Teabowl

12th-13th century

Physical Qualities Stoneware with hare's fur glaze, 2 1/4 x 4 5/8 in. (5.7 x 11.7 cm.)

Credit Line Gift of Lawrason Riggs of J

Object Number 1945.59.12

Jian kilns specialized for producing teabowls. Popular for drinking whipped tea, a preparation of whising tea ground to a fine powder with hot water, the dark glaze contrasted with the tea's pale froth. The bowls also retained heat. These teabowls spread to Japan from the Tienmu Buddhist monastery of coastal Zhejiang Province in China in conjunction with the practice of drinking powdered tea as part of meditation practice.

The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1945; Lawrason Riggs of J, Baltimore; from his uncle, General Lawrason Riggs, Baltimore (1861-1940)

Frances Klapthor, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "90 Years of Asian Accessions: 1940-1960," (Goodnow, Riggs of J, Cone, Chinese & Japanese Dolls), January-November 2005.
Frances Klapthor, BMA, "An Artist's Fresh Glaze," April 30 - November 4, 2012.
Collection installation, "Asia. 1,000 Years of Exchange in East Asia", Levy Gallery, Baltimore Museum of Art, October 5, 2023-

Frances Klapthor, "Chinese Ceramics," Baltimore: Baltimore Museum of Art, 1993, no. 65, p. 53.