Chinese Ceramic Pickle Jar

Hairline marks cross the glaze like a faint map.

Chinese potters made this pickle jar of pottery in the 20th century. Jars like this are commonly used for storing pickles, sauces and other foods. The body is round and low, with a short mouth and a slight lip, and fine incised lines run over the surface in long panels. The glaze is a mottled amber brown, lighter at the shoulder and a bit smoky below, with a dark spot on one side.

About eleven inches tall and twenty wide. Subtle, and it ages gracefully.