Chinese Ceramic Pickle Jar

Ribbed like corduroy, and nearly black.

Chinese potters made this pickle jar of pottery in the 20th century. Jars like this are commonly used to store pickled vegetables and preserved foods. The body is wide and rounded, with a short neck and vertical ribbing that covers the lower half. Rows of tiny stamped marks decorate the shoulder. The glaze is a dark, glossy brown that looks almost black, ending short of the unglazed clay foot.

About twelve inches tall and eighteen wide. Strong shape, with the texture to prove it.