Chinese Ceramic Storage Vessel

Tall, tapering and combed with small scratched lines.

Potters in Shanxi Province, China, made this storage vessel in pottery in the 19th century. Tall jars like this were commonly used for storing grain and liquids. The body swells at the shoulder and narrows toward a small base, topped with a short, rolled neck. The surface is combed with rows of fine incised ripples, grey and brown, with lighter patches and a few darker stains.

About 22 inches tall and 13 across. A long silhouette, and a restful one, which suits a quiet corner or a hall.