Chinese Wine Storage Vessel with Inscription

Black as strong tea, with a crackle of age.

Guangdong Province, China, is the origin of this early 20th century wine storage vessel with inscription, made of pottery. The record notes an inscription, which is not read here. Vessels of this kind are commonly used to store wine and other liquids. The glaze is a deep, almost black brown, glossy across the shoulders, with small chips and scuffs showing paler clay. A short neck with a plain rim tops the full, rounded body.

About 34 inches tall. A dark, elegant mass.