This bowl with iron-brown floral band is representative of wares that were made for use in temples or tombs during the Ly (1009-1225) and Tran (1225-1400) dynasties. The frequent appearance of the lotus motif reflects the rising importance of Buddhism, which was established as the state religion in Vietnam during the Ly dynasty. This period saw many new developments—in 1009, the Ly clan came to power in northern Vietnam, ending a millennium of Chinese political rule. The flourishing of Vietnamese national identity during this period is evident in the development of art styles which moved away from copies of Chinese forms towards adaptations that were more uniquely Vietnamese.
