Chinese Oil Vessel with Loop Handles

Plump pot with two small ears and a freckled, rust-spotted coat.

This oil vessel with loop handles is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is glazed pottery. Glazed pottery jars with loop handles were practical for pouring and carrying, and the glaze keeps liquid such as oil from seeping through the clay. Round-shouldered jar tapering to a narrow base, with a short rolled neck and two tiny loop handles. The surface is pale cream with a dense scatter of rusty orange speckles, matte and slightly uneven. It is 8.5 inches wide, 8.5 deep and 10 high.

Round, freckled and perfectly content to sit still.