Southern Song Dynasty Ge ware White Glaze Bowl

This is a white graze basin fired in a kiln of the Ge ware style during the Southern Song dynasty. It has a low, square shape with concave corners. The base has low, exposed foot at the four corners, and the waist bulges slightly. The body widens towards the top. The rim curves outwards. The entire piece is covered in white glaze, and the thick, glassy surface shows large crackle-glaze and small air bubbles in places. This glaze is thought to be made by removing iron from a celadon glaze, similar to the white glaze made in the Ge ware style. The reddish-brown of the clay body is slightly visible through the glaze, giving the whole piece a purplish appearance. This is a very rare white glaze, and is almost never seen on the market. It is made with considerable thickness, giving it a substantial weight of 736g. There is no conspicuous flaws. It has good luster throughout and is in good condition.