A black-glazed bowl of Cizhou-type ware, fired during the Yuan dynasty. The piece belongs to the group commonly known as Henan Tenmoku in Japan. Over a black-glazed body, large splashes of dense iron-rich glaze have been boldly applied, creating striking patches of decoration. Five principal splashes radiate from the rim towards the centre of the well, forming a composition reminiscent of a great flower in full bloom. On the exterior, a single run of black glaze descends freely down the wall, providing an incidental yet effective accent.

The bowl exemplifies the robust spirit of Yuan-period ceramics. Its decoration is at once bold and ornamental, achieving a sense of grandeur through the directness of its execution rather than through intricate refinement. The dramatic contrast between the lustrous black ground and the iron-splashed motifs gives the vessel a commanding presence, while the spontaneous glaze effects retain the vitality of the kiln process itself.

Apart from minor surface scratches, there are no notable defects, and the condition is excellent.