This bowl has gently curved walls and a wide unglazed rim. It is covered in 'qingbai' glaze that stops short of the raised foot. Qingbai glaze derives its name from the characteristic icy, bluish-white glaze. The bowl was inverted on its rim during firing. Bowls such as this were also fitted with a metal band to enhance their appearance and value.Qingbai wares were developed during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, they were exported in large quantities to Southeast Asia from the 12th century onwards although pieces such as these were usually made for the domestic market.Tea drinking was popular during the Song dynasty. This simple, conical bowl could have been used for drinking tea.
