Yaozhou bowl with incised peony motifs and gold rim

This northern celadon or Yaozhou bowl has deeply carved floral designs on the exterior and a grey-green glaze. The piece has been fitted with a gold rim band, which is now worn with age. The bowl is a rare example of early Chinese ceramics exported to Southeast Asia and adapted for use in the region. Yaozhou bowls of the same shape were made with covers during the Northern Song dynasty (11th century). It was reportedly retrieved from a burial site on Cham Island off the east coast of Vietnam. Gold earrings and a ring were found inside the bowl. The gold band is presumably a Chan appendage, probably meant to enhance the value of the piece for a family heirloom.