An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Brush Washerlate 1000s–1127
Ru ware is the rarest and most celebrated of all Chinese imperial wares. It was made for the late Northern Song court for a very short time and was therefore extremely rare and precious. Simplicity and refined elegance are Ru ware's hallmarks. Its graceful shape, soft luster, and subtle color variation of the glaze interact in perfect unity. Other physical characteristics include an ash-grey body, soft greyblue glaze with a fine crackle, as well as small sesame-seed spur marks on the base.
The little black spot in the glaze inside the dish is one of the slight imperfections characteristic of genuine Ru ware.
porcelaneous stoneware, Ru ware
Diameter: 12.8 cm (5 1/16 in.); Overall: 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In a quiet corner of the world, the elegance of Ru ware whispers tales of a bygone era. It is perhaps the rarest treasure of all Chinese imperial wares, a gem forged for a fleeting moment within the opulent walls of the late Northern Song court. Like morning dew glistening in the sun, each piece glimmers with a beauty that is as delicate as it is profound.
Crafted during a time when artistry flourished yet for oh-so-brief a moment, Ru ware embodies a simplicity that captures the heart. Its graceful shapes flow effortlessly, much like the gentle curves of a serene landscape. The soft luster, reminiscent of a tranquil pond reflecting the sky, invites one to pause and appreciate its unassuming charm.
The subtle play of colors in the glaze, dancing somewhere between hues of soft grey and blue, speaks of a mastery that is rare in our world. As one gazes closer, tiny crackles appear, weaving a story of time and patience through their intricate web. On the base, small sesame-seed spur marks lie like gentle reminders of the artisan’s hand—a testament to the love and dedication poured into each creation.
In the quiet presence of Ru ware, one can almost hear the whispers of history, as it reflects the harmony between nature and human craft. To possess a piece of Ru ware is to hold a moment of peace—the embodiment of beauty and rarity, reminding us that some treasures are meant to be cherished, even when they are borne from the shadows of time.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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