bulbous stoneware pot with handle, small opening at top, small spout on side; greenish brown glaze does not go to bottom

Ewer, 8th-9th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

This well-proportioned, globular shaped ewer stands on a solid foot. It has a short, straight spout and a handle of joined double strands that arcs between shoulder and lip. The overall effect is pleasing: a simple robust shape combined with a thick, dark uniform glaze. Such ewers made their debut in the Sui dynasty (586-618), supplanting the "chicken-head ewers" and their descendants. Some of these vessels were used in the making of tea which, by the late Tang dynasty (618-906), had become a popular beverage. The ewers were used not for steeping tea, but as pitchers for dispersing hot water into individual tea bowls where it was whisked with dried powdered tea leaves.

Details
Title
Ewer
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2001.209.2
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.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

bulbous stoneware pot with handle, small opening at top, small spout on side; greenish brown glaze does not go to bottom