The larger size of this vessel distinguishes it from standard liudou (wicker basket) style cups, and this bowl was probably used to keep liquor or food warm. It has an outwardly extended edge, slightly narrowed neck, ample belly, and round foot. Its shoulder is embellished with two parallel bowstring patterns, while the round belly boasts a carved concentric design of rounded arcs that loosely resembles a wicker weave. The entire body, inside and outside, has a finish of dark celadon glaze with a relatively glassy luster and many minute bubbles. The body has a light gray hue and a fine texture. The shape and decorative patterns of this bowl are reminiscent of a wicker basket, thus the Chinese designation liudou bowl. Liudou motifs first appear in Yaozhou ware during the late Tang dynasty, and became very popular during the Five Dynasties era. Originally, liudou ceramics were known for the realism of the wicker weave designs, but by the Song dynasty the figurative patterns had become much simplified.

MD: 18 cm