Jar
Chinese
Description
Subject Matter:
This is a northern cizhou 磁州 jar of the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). Cizhou ware has well known since the Song dynasty with production lasting through the Qing, but it reached its zenith during the Jin and Yuan dynasties, where the forms were especially robust and decoration finely executed. The ware is characterized by its high contrast dark brown to black and white wares, although over a dozen types of decoration can be used. These techniques include painting, sgraffito, incision, overglaze, underglaze, along with the application of multi-colored glazes. The variety of sub-styles is a result from being produced at a variety of Northern kilns in Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi. These everyday, if not somewhat plebian, wares consisted primarily of large jars, vases, pillows, and bowls.
Physical Description:
This jar with wide shoulders tapers to a narrow foot and a wide, short, flaring mouth. The jar is covered in a dark, brown-black glaze with freely painted russet-colored floral decoration around the shoulder.
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