Chinese Storage Vessel / Planter

Yellow as strong mustard, with a glaze that still catches the light.

This storage vessel or planter comes from Guangdong Province, China, and dates to the early 20th century. It is glazed pottery. Large jars like this served as the pantries and cisterns of southern Chinese towns, holding water, salted vegetables, sauces or grain in quantity. The glossy yellow-brown body is lightly flecked with dark specks, and the glaze goes matte toward the foot. A thick, bare rim rings the mouth. Thirty-three inches high and 41 in diameter.

It will outlast the plant.