Chinese Ceramic Vessel

Glossy black bottle with a splash of pale cloud across its shoulder.

This glazed pottery vessel is from China. Glazes of this kind are usually made from minerals and ash fired onto clay, and their colors depend on the materials and the kiln atmosphere. Narrow-necked bottle vase with rounded shoulders tapering to a small base. The black glaze is deep and shiny, with a ragged patch of creamy blue-white drifting down from the upper body toward the middle. It is 11.5 inches high and 5.75 in diameter.

Midnight dress, with one careless splash of milk.