Southern China, Longquan kilns
Yuan dynasty, 1300-1400

Green-glazed stonewares from Zhejiang were the most common type of Chinese ceramics exported to the Middle East before 1400. This dish was thrown and carved before being given a thick green \'celadon\' glaze, which has pooled in the incised decoration and carved fluting.

The four fish were made separately in moulds and applied to the unfired glaze. They turned red when the dish was fired. A chip on the rim reveals the contrast between the smooth smooth glaze and the granular texture of the underlying stoneware.

Glazed stoneware, reduction fired