Chinese Wine Storage Vessel

Pale and broad, slashed with diagonal grooves. The outline is full and low, with the weight carried at the shoulder.

Potters in Shanxi Province, China, made this wine storage vessel in pottery in the early 19th century. Rounded jars of this kind were commonly used to store wine and provisions. The sides are scored with slanting incisions in bands that spiral around the body, under a small, open mouth. The clay is soft grey with warm terra cotta undertones, dry and slightly chalky, with some scuffs near the base.

About 20 inches tall and 17 wide. Unfussy, with plenty to look at.