23. CIZHOU SGRAFFIATO PEAR-SHAPED BOTTLE VASE
Jin Dynasty (1115-1234)
10 7/8” (27.7 cm.) high

The swelling sides of the bottle shaped vase are boldly carved in two registers with arching foliate scrolls, the larger scroll round the widest part of the body accentuating the flaring area above the base. The glaze is of a good, even and dark colour. The foliate scrolls alternate between abstraction and more recognizable naturalistic forms. Some areas of glaze have been accidentally removed in the process of production.

From the wide range of styles found in other recorded examples, we may surmise that a number of kilns were involved in the making of such wares. A vase of related pattern is published in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, pl. 523. A more ‘rustic’ style is to be found on another vase of this form in the Tokyo National Museum, published by Mary Tregear in Song Ceramics, pl. 92. Another vase with fish incorporated into the foliate scroll is illustrated in Sekai Toji Zenshu, Shogakukan Series, vol. 13, col. pl. 25. A bottle decorated in the same technique with lotus scroll was included in the Special Exhibition: Charm of Black & White Ware; Transition of Cizhou Type Wares, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, 2002, catalogue no. 147.