Dresden Ru Ware: Rare Ceramic Targeted in Potential Theft
Dresden’s State Art Collections may be the target of a planned theft, with a rare and valuable piece of Ru ware ceramic identified as a potential target. Authorities are remaining tight-lipped as investigations continue, but the potential loss has prompted discussion about the object’s unique history and immense value.
A Rare and Valuable Object
According to information from Bild-Zeitung, thieves were reportedly planning to steal a valuable bowl from the Chinese Ru ware collection. The ceramic, while appearing unassuming, is hundreds of years old and considered a significant rarity. A comparable bowl sold at Sotheby’s in 2017 for $37.7 million.
Regina Krahl, an expert in Chinese ceramics, discovered the Dresden bowl in the collections’ depot. She explained to MDR KULTUR that the piece’s beauty lies in its unique glaze, subtle colour variations, and a distinctive “crackle” pattern known as “burst ice” in China.
The History Behind the Value
Krahl detailed the historical significance of Ru ware, noting it was among the earliest ceramics directly commissioned by the Imperial Court. However, the dynasty lost control of the northern part of its empire in 1127, including the manufacturing site for Ru ware. This loss of access led to the ceramic becoming increasingly rare and mythologized, associated with a “good old time” and a lost empire.
Currently, only 89 examples of Ru ware are known to exist worldwide. The Dresden bowl is the 88th and the only piece of its kind in Germany, specifically a brush washer.
Potential Future Developments
Given the high value and rarity of the piece, increased security measures at the State Art Collections in Dresden are likely. If a theft were to occur, recovering the bowl could prove difficult, as similar stolen artifacts have surfaced in auctions in China. Authorities may also increase monitoring of the art market for any attempts to sell the piece. It is also possible that this incident could lead to a broader review of security protocols at other museums housing valuable Chinese artifacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ru ware?
Ru ware is a type of Chinese ceramic made around the year 1100 specifically for the Kaiserhof (Imperial Court). It is known for its beautiful glaze and subtle colour variations.
Why is the Dresden bowl so valuable?
The bowl is valuable because of its beauty, age, rarity, and the historical context surrounding its creation and subsequent loss of production due to dynastic changes.
Where are most of the remaining Ru ware pieces located?
Most of the remaining pieces are located in the National Palace Museum in Taipei and the British Museum in London.
What role does historical context play in the value of art and artifacts?