Prepare to witness ceramic alchemy in its most spectacular form—this breathtaking tenmoku tea bowl captures the legendary "oil spot" phenomenon that Chinese Song Dynasty emperors treasured above gold, now enhanced with peacock-iridescent hues that seem to shift between dimensions. As light dances across its surface, you'll discover why ancient tea masters believed such bowls possessed supernatural properties that could enhance both the flavor of tea and the spiritual awareness of those who drank from them. This extraordinary piece represents the contemporary mastery of tenmoku (Jian ware) techniques, a ceramic tradition so challenging that successful examples were historically reserved for imperial use. The "oil spot" effect occurs through precise manipulation of iron-rich glazes fired in reduction atmosphere—a process so temperamental that even master potters achieve success in fewer than one in ten attempts. The addition of metallic elements creates the peacock-like iridescence that transforms this bowl into a living kaleidoscope of color. The technical achievement here cannot be overstated: creating stable oil spot patterns requires exact temperature control within mere degrees, perfect timing of cooling cycles, and glazes mixed to tolerances measured in fractions of percentages. The peacock colors emerge from titanium and other metallic oxides that interact with iron during firing, creating interference patterns similar to those found in butterfly wings or soap bubbles—nature's own optical illusions captured in ceramic form. Historical precedent for such innovation dates to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when Jian kiln tenmoku bowls achieved such perfection that Japanese Buddhist monks brought examples back to Japan, where they were treasured as sacred objects. Today, authentic Song period oil spot tenmoku bowls reside in major museums worldwide and command astronomical prices when they rarely appear at auction—making contemporary masters' interpretations increasingly significant for collectors. In modern interiors, this bowl serves as both functional tea vessel and sculptural artwork that transforms any space into a gallery. The dark exterior provides perfect backdrop for the interior's pyrotechnic display, while the traditional form maintains connection to centuries of tea culture. Leading tea ceremonies worldwide now incorporate contemporary tenmoku pieces alongside traditional implements, recognizing that artistic evolution serves the spirit of tea culture. The pristine condition reflects the piece's recent creation and careful handling, with the glaze surface showing no signs of wear that might diminish its optical effects. The iron-rich composition makes these glazes particularly durable once properly fired, though they require gentle cleaning to preserve their luminous qualities. Museums such as the Ames Foundation and Japan Society actively collect contemporary tenmoku works, recognizing their importance in continuing this ancient tradition. Recent auction results show growing international appreciation for oil spot tenmoku, with exceptional pieces achieving prices that reflect their rarity and technical difficulty. For collectors fascinated by the intersection of ancient technique and contemporary innovation, this bowl offers rare opportunity to own a piece that embodies both historical reverence and artistic evolution. The ongoing Chinese and Japanese cultural renaissance has created renewed appreciation for ceramic masters who successfully recreate these legendary glazes, making authenticated pieces increasingly valuable as cultural artifacts. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1187