Chinese Storage Vessel / Planter

Terra cotta, unglazed, and quietly sure of its proportions.

This terra cotta storage vessel comes from Shandong Province, China, and is unrecorded as to century. Jars of this shape were commonly used to store water, grain and other household goods, and they work well as planters today. A broad rolled rim opens onto a rounded body that tapers to a small base. Fine vertical scoring covers the shoulders and belly, with a soft grey-pink cast and orange showing at the lip. The surface is dusty and dry-looking, with light scuffs.

About 26 inches high. A big, plain pot that makes everything inside it look better.