Chinese Storage Vessel / Planter

Black, broad and round-shouldered, like a vault turned upside down.

This storage vessel, which also works as a planter, comes from Guangdong Province, China, and is dated to the early 20th century. It is made of pottery. Large unglazed or lightly glazed jars were commonly used in southern China for keeping water, grain and pickled foods. The mouth is wide and the rim is rolled over in a thick, orange-brown band. Below, the body is dark gray to black and smooth, curving gently inward toward a narrow base.

About 26 inches high and 35 wide. A planter with presence, or a very serious bowl.