Chinese Wine Storage Vessel

Dark, ribbed and broad in the shoulder.

Potters in Shanxi Province, China, made this wine storage vessel in pottery in the early 19th century. Jars of this shape were often used for storing wine and other liquids in the region. The body swells at the shoulder under a small collared mouth, then narrows to a modest base. Rough horizontal ribbing covers the surface, and the clay is a deep, smoky brown with dry, powdery patches and shadows.

About 23 inches tall and 15 wide. Put one in a corner and the corner improves.