Chinese Wine Storage Vessel

Wide shoulders, short strokes, a slightly grey brow. Its shoulder is its widest point, which gives it a stout, settled stance.

Potters in Shanxi Province, China, made this wine storage vessel in pottery in the early 19th century. Broad-shouldered jars like this were commonly used to keep wine and other provisions. The rounded body tapers to a small base, and rows of short diagonal dashes are pressed into the surface in staggered bands. The neck is a short ring. The clay is grey-brown and matte, with lighter scuffs and some darker patches.

About 18 inches tall and 17 wide. Heavy and good-natured.