Chinese Wine Storage Vessel

Tall, olive-brown, and quietly textured, like a good coat.

Potters in Shanxi Province, China, made this wine storage vessel in pottery in the early 19th century. Large pottery jars like this were commonly used to store and age wine, grain and other provisions. It has a narrow shoulder and a short, flared neck above a long ovoid body that tapers to a small foot. The surface is covered in a fine, combed texture, with a slight sheen in olive and brown tones.

About 29 inches tall and 16 wide. A floor piece with a very long memory.