Two Vietnamese Blue and White Dragon Bowls

15th-16th century, bowls of inverted bell form, each interior with a stylized dragon to center of well, the exterior of each with more stylized dragons in flight.
2 1/2 in., 5 in. diameter
The Underwood collection of Vietnamese ceramics presents a curated selection of various shapes and patterns of blue and white created during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Vietnamese ceramic workshops came to a pinnacle in the 15th century spurred by the Chinese occupation of north Vietnam and the gap left in the market from lower exports from China. The Vietnamese were able to create high quality pieces similar to the Chinese style using underglaze cobalt blue with a heaping effect but with more graceful and willowy brushstrokes over a soft white paste stoneware. The Vietnamese exported their ceramics to southeast Asia and the Philippines.
Property from the Estate of Jean Underwood, sold by the Ackland Art Museum to benefit the Ruth and Sherman Lee Fund for Asian Art
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

chips to rim on both; small chip to foot rim of one; discoloration to well, one more so with possible restoration, and some kiln firing defects.