Chinese Wine Storage Vessel

Hammered pale clay, round as a river stone. Its shape is simple, and the texture does all the talking.

Potters in Shanxi Province, China, made this wine storage vessel in pottery in the early 19th century. Jars like this were often used to keep wine and other provisions. A wide, rounded shoulder tapers to a small foot under a short collared mouth, and the surface is rough and pitted as if hammered. The clay is cream and pale grey with a matte, dusty finish.

About 22 inches tall and 16 wide. Neutral in color, strong in presence.