Burial Jar stoneware with Ching Pai glaze

Burial Jar for Wine Storage, one of a pair, 13th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
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Much Ch'ing-pai ware was produced in numerous small family workshops throughout southeast China. Many of these family kilns specialized in one type of ware such as covered boxes or burial jars such as these, which were likely made in Fukien. Tall lidded urns were peculiar to thirteenth century Kiangsi and Fukien provinces and they are good examples of ceramics made specifically for burial rather than as household items.

In addition to their tall, narrow shape, these wine jars are recognized by a variety of moulded Taoist and directional animal figures applied around the neck of the upper half of the body. At the base of the neck are twelve robed figures probably Taoist, or perhaps related to the zodiac, with a coiled dragon encircling the vessel neck above them. Extending from the neck of each jar is a disk representing the sun and moon respectively. The conical lids are surmounted with cranes, a Taoist emblem for long life.

Details
Title
Burial Jar for Wine Storage, one of a pair
Role
Artist
Accession Number
89.109.1a,b
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Burial Jar stoneware with Ching Pai glaze