Tea bowl

The tea bowl is complete. It is circular in shape. In profile, the bowl has a wall that flares slightly at the top and is topped by a rim with a corrugated top. The lower part of the wall is curved towards the bottom, which is flat. The bowl rests on a solid ring-shaped foot. The bottom is recessed and slightly domed. There is a small, barely visible turning ring under the bottom ; The decoration is molded and applied by transfer printing; it is blue in color with an oriental motif. The molded decoration is visible on the inner wall and consists of rounded vertical ribs. The printed decoration is visible under the inner rim, on the inner base and on the outer wall. The decoration under the inner edge consists of a complex frieze of different motifs, some of which are repeated in alternation. The main motif is a wide braid encircled by two wide, solid bands. The braid is decorated with a tight latticework, alternating with rows of fish scales. These motifs are separated by four different elements: two angled bands delimiting an area of small cells with a half-flower at the top, a downward-opening scroll delimiting an area of scales, a complex sun with a reserve center, and mirrored scrolls. The lower entablature is composed of a few sections that end in scrolls, and features concave indentations at regular intervals from which hang two different types of flower bouquets. The inner background features an island garnished with two rows of stylized shrubs, at the center of which rises a tree-lined temple. The outer wall features an oriental scene composed of two islands, the main one featuring a temple and a fisherman. On the main island stands a temple with an intricate roof supported by two columns; open, it houses a statue or person seen from the front, seated in the lotus position on a pedestal. To the right of the temple stretches a fence with an upright post on which rests a massive vase filled with flowers. Stylized shrubs or rocks stretch out in front of the temple, while its terrain to the left is bounded by an angled compartmented fence; behind the fence stands a coiffed man seen in profile to the left, holding a pole whose line hangs in the water in front of the fence. Behind the fence stands a gigantic tree, probably a willow. Near the fishing line, in the foreground of the island, is a shrub and a stylized rock. To the far left is an island lined with similar rocks, and on top of which stands a tall pagoda, bordered by a tree and a fence. On the opposite wall rises a similar island, this time with another angler. The decor is clearly rendered. The junction of the frieze under the inner edge is visible.