This is a unique and rare 19th century copper red glazed sacrificial bowl from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The bowl features thinly potted body and is made of finest porcelain clay at its time. Its vibrant red color adds to its beauty and historical significance.
During the turbulent time at late 19th century in China, many imperial porcelain wares were stolen or vandalized due to external warfares with and internal riots and rebellions. During the boxer rebellion (1899-1901), the forbidden palace was ransacked and looted by foreign soldiers as well as by court servants. After the rebellion’s over when GuangXu emperor and Empress Dowager Cixi had eventually returned to the palace, inquisitions were ordered for the return of stolen objects. Many who were fearful of further consequences, escaped justice by removing the reign mark at the bottom of stolen imperial porcelains so that no one would be able to recognize them. This sacrificial bowl is an example of that. Its bottom glaze and its reign mark has been intentionally removed by completely scrape off the underside glaze.
Judging from the richly vibrant and complexly layered red glaze, this item is no doubt imperial. Exclusively used by the court, copper red ware were used extensively as ritual vessel due to its association with the color of the blood. It is worth mentioning that copper red colored glaze was extremely difficult to manufacture as it is highly demanding for kiln temperature and other conditions, compounded by the factor that copper is a rare materials and expensive to produce. Thus nearly all the copper red wares were produced exclusively at the imperial kiln as only the most skillful potters and makers can master this craft.
Crafted at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln, this antique original bowl is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of Asian antiques.
Provenance: a private collection from Sydney, Australia. Purchased this item in Hong Kong during the 1980s
Note: This item comes with an original certificate its authenticity and age over 100 years old, the certificate was issued by the associations of antique dealers in Hong Kong