Set of 2 Chinese stoneware jars with crackled celadon glaze – Southern China, late Ming, 16th–17th century

Set of 2 Chinese stoneware jars – crackled celadon, late Ming

Two Chinese storage jars in stoneware, with a grey-green to brownish-grey celadon glaze with a fine crackle. The jars have a slightly tapering body, a rounded shoulder and a thick, rolled rim. The glaze stops above the flat, unglazed foot, which was fired reddish-brown in the kiln. The potter’s throwing rings can still be felt. Jars like these were made in Southern China (Fujian) in the late Ming period for the maritime trade; they were used for salt, oil, spices and preserves and also came to the Netherlands with the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The Groninger Museum has a comparable salt jar in its collection.

Why we chose this piece

These jars carry hundreds of years of history: the crackle, the weathered foot and the small signs of use make them lively and genuine. Together they form a beautiful still life.

Style and interior

They suit a wabi-sabi, Japandi, rustic or classic interior, on a shelf, console table or in a display cabinet, next to wood, linen and old books. Also lovely for a few dried flowers or twigs.

Dimensions: height 17.5 cm, diameter 13.5 cm and height 15 cm, diameter 13 cm
Material: stoneware with celadon glaze
Period: late Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century
Origin: Southern China
Quantity: 2 (the set is sold together)
Condition: used condition, in keeping with their age. Both jars are intact, without cracks. The glaze is crackled throughout with dark dirt in the lines, there are a few small glaze flakes and glaze misses (photo 6) and the rims show light wear. The unglazed feet are discoloured reddish-brown with deposits and small firing irregularities (photos 6 and 7).
Price:
€ 275

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