The Barlow Collection
A select catalogue of the Barlow collection of Chinese Ceramics, Bronzes and Jades by the University of Sussex (published Sussex, 2006).
Publications online: 456 objects
Bowl with copper-red glaze
- loan
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Literature notes
This bowl copies pieces of the Xuande period (1426–1435), when the finest copper-red glazes were produced. It is inscribed with a spurious Xuande reign mark, which was not so much meant to deceive than to evoke the best wares of the past. The copper pigment, which produces this striking colour when fired at the high temperatures necessary to fire the porcelain itself, is particularly difficult to control and was virtually abandoned after the Xuande period. It was only revived again under the Kangxi Emperor.
The conical bowl has slightly rounded sides with a flared rim, and a nearly straight foot and domed base. The inside and outside are covered with an intense, somewhat mottled copper-red glaze which turns paler towards the rim, which is white, and darker towards the foot. The base and inside of the foot are covered in a transparent glaze with a faint blue tinge. The base is incised with a four-character Xuande reign mark. -
Details
- Associated place
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Asia › China › Jiangxi province › Jingdezhen › Jingdezhen kilns (place of creation)
- Associated people
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Xuande, Emperor of China (ruled 1426 - 1435) (named on object)
- Material and technique
- porcelain, thrown, with copper-red glaze; transparent blue glaze and incised inscription on base
- Dimensions
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5.6 cm (height)
12.4 cm (diameter)
- Material index
- Technique index
- Object type index
- No. of items
- 1
- Credit line
- Lent by the Sir Alan Barlow Collection Trust.
- Accession no.
- LI1301.169
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Further reading
University of Sussex, and Arts and Humanities Research Council, The Barlow Collection, supervised by Regina Krahl, Maurice Howard, and Aiden Leeves (Sussex: University of Sussex, 2006), no. C154
Glossary (2)
glaze, porcelain
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glaze
Vitreous coating applied to the surface of a ceramic to make it impermeable or for decorative effect.
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porcelain
Ceramic material composed of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar which is fired to a temperature of c.1350-1400⁰c. The resulting ceramic is vitreous, translucent, and white in colour.
Location
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- currently in research collection
Objects are sometimes moved to a different location. Our object location data is usually updated on a monthly basis. Contact the Jameel Study Centre if you are planning to visit the museum to see a particular object on display, or would like to arrange an appointment to see an object in our reserve collections.
Publications online
-
The Barlow Collection
This bowl copies pieces of the Xuande period (1426–1435), when the finest copper-red glazes were produced. It is inscribed with a spurious Xuande reign mark, which was not so much meant to deceive than to evoke the best wares of the past. The copper pigment, which produces this striking colour when fired at the high temperatures necessary to fire the porcelain itself, is particularly difficult to control and was virtually abandoned after the Xuande period. It was only revived again under the Kangxi Emperor.
The conical bowl has slightly rounded sides with a flared rim, and a nearly straight foot and domed base. The inside and outside are covered with an intense, somewhat mottled copper-red glaze which turns paler towards the rim, which is white, and darker towards the foot. The base and inside of the foot are covered in a transparent glaze with a faint blue tinge. The base is incised with a four-character Xuande reign mark.
Notice
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