Accession Number
1993/1.89

Title
Jar

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1115-1234

Medium & Support
stoneware with iron oxide glaze

Dimensions
11 5/8 in x 12 3/8 in x 12 3/8 in (29.5 cm x 31.5 cm x 31.5 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Domino's Pizza, Inc.

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.  

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
jar

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Cizhou
jar
jars
stoneware (pottery)