Chinese Dark Glazed Kitchen Jar, c. 1900

Description

A cool, blue-black glaze coats the stout body of this early 20th-century terra cotta kitchen jar. As evidenced by the … more A cool, blue-black glaze coats the stout body of this early 20th-century terra cotta kitchen jar. As evidenced by the glazed interior, the wide-mouth jar was once used daily in a provincial Chinese kitchen for fermenting foods and condiments. The jar has a slightly tapered form, with angular shoulders, a rounded rim, and two small strap handles.

Stopping short of the base, the jar's dark glaze sheets down the sides with a glossy finish and a range of subtle undertones. The ridged texture patterning the jar's body manipulates the glaze to pool and drip irregularly across the surface, adding dimension and character. Wonderfully textured with firing imperfections, this small jar exemplifies the timeless appeal of handcrafted pottery and makes a wonderful vase or planter. less