Chinese Cizhou vessel. Probably Ming Dynasty, 16th century.

Chinese Cizhou vessel. Probably Ming Dynasty, 16th century.
Glazed vessel.
Measurements: 64 x 39 x 40 cm.

Cizhou glazed vessel. It was used to store wine and liquors made from rice and other grains. The jar has an elegant conical shape and is beautifully glazed with neutral earth tones in a style characteristic of Cizhou pottery.

Expressive brushstroke borders and synthetic plant motifs decorate the shoulders and sides, painted in warm browns on a creamy white slip base. The decorative elements are harmoniously inscribed between the concentric lines that compartmentalize them.

Jizhou pottery and porcelain originated in Jiangxi province. The best known wares are simple stoneware forms, with a strong emphasis on subtle effects in glazed ceramics. In the Song dynasty they achieved great prestige, especially among Buddhist monks and for use in tea drinking.