Minneapolis Institute of Art

Ewer

China

Date

10th–early 11th century

Medium

Cizhou ware Stoneware with white slip and cut-glaze peony decor against a gray body

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Cizhou type wares are an important, technically diverse, body of popular ceramics manufactured in northern China from early Song (tenth century) onwards. Among the earliest type of Cizhou ware is a small group of cream-colored vessels whose principle motif is a large, deeply carved, peony with scrolling leaves. Ewers are an important part of this rare sub-group. Typically, they are well-proportioned with short, globular bodies, a flat shoulder, cylindrical neck and long spout. The cut-glaze design of this vessel is perhaps the most aesthetically satisfying of the five ewers of this type that are recorded. Its curvilinear design fits the shape of the vessel perfectly and the design has been cut through the white slip to the grey body with unusual clarity and precision. Asia

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