This conical dish has a slightly everted rim fluidly incised with an iron-brown srcoll motif and a delicately carved chrysanthemum spray enclosed in a circle in the centre. A clear glaze covers the interior of the bowl.The skills required to carve such designs on the interior of these semi-closed forms is remarkable and the results can sometimes appear as if painted in underglaze brown.Although heavily influenced by the Chinese ceramic tradition, Vietnam materials and potting styles are unique. Technically not ‘porcelain’, which is translucent and pure white, these stonewares are different in appearance from Chinese and other Southeast Asian ceramics. Vietnamese wares are typically more heavily potted and have an off-white clay body. Vietnam entered the international trade during the 14th century and produced the greatest volume and variety of wares for Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. However, by the 16th century, due to intense competition from the Chinese kilns, the export of Vietnamese wares to these markets was greatly reduced.
