Extra Large Chinese Martaban Water Jar

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Description

Guci sisik naga, also known as a dragon scale jar, is a type of antique storage jar, from China, with … Read more Guci sisik naga, also known as a dragon scale jar, is a type of antique storage jar, from China, with a distinctive pattern that resembles dragon scales. These jars are sometimes referred to as martaban jars.
The dragon, an auspicious symbol representing good luck and the emperor, is frequently carved into the clay before the jar is fired and glazed. These types of jars were historically used for storing or for shipping throughout China and southeast Asia, goods like water, spirits, and fermented foods. In some cases, for ceremonial purposes.
Characteristics of Chinese Martaban jars include:
Glaze: They often feature a thick, rich glaze, which can vary in color, such as the green glaze of this specific one or brown and ochre glazes.
Handles: Many have small ceramic loops or "ears" around the neck, which were used for threading rope to aid in transport.
Decoration: They are frequently decorated with relief carvings of auspicious patterns, such as dragons, cranes, flowers or other figures, which are often associated with the Ming and Qing dynasties. See less