Chinese Ceramic Ewer

A bird’s head at the lip, and a handle that curls like a question.

Potters of Henan Province, China, made this ewer in pottery in the 20th century. Ewers of this shape are commonly associated with pouring wine or water. The body is rounded, with a ribbed lower belly and a narrow neck that flares to a pinched spout shaped like a bird’s beak. A looped handle runs from the shoulder to the neck. Glossy brown glaze runs over most of it, leaving the foot in pale, unglazed clay.

About 7 inches tall. Something to pour from, or to look at while someone else pours.