Art Institute of Chicago

Ovoid Jar

China, probably Henan province

Date

Tang dynasty (618–907), 8th/9th century

Medium

Lushan ware; stoneware with iron-brown and splashed milky-blue ash glazes

Culture

China

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This elegant jar exemplifies the stoneware craftsmanship of the Lushan kiln, a center of stoneware production during the Tang Dynasty. Beneath the rolled lip, four handles that evoke the shape of stylized birds curve downward, directing the viewer’s gaze to the smooth, satiny surface. Covered with a captivating mottled brown "tea-dust" glaze and embellished with bold, lively splashes of milky lavender, the jar displays a timeless beauty. The brown glaze stops neatly with a clean sweep just above slightly flared foot, exposing the dense clay body tinged with a subtle orange hue from the firing process. Jars like this are recognized as innovative precursors to the renowned Song-dynasty Jun ware.

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