Antique 17th Century Chinese Dark Glazed Stoneware Jar (Shiwan Kilns)

Details

Description

Antique 17th Century Chinese Dark Glazed Stoneware Jar (Shiwan Kilns)

Geography: Guangdong Province, China
Culture: Chinese, Late Ming Dynasty
Date: … Read more Antique 17th Century Chinese Dark Glazed Stoneware Jar (Shiwan Kilns)

Geography: Guangdong Province, China
Culture: Chinese, Late Ming Dynasty
Date: Late 16th–17th century
Medium: Stoneware, iron-based glaze
Dimensions: Height: 37.5 cm (14.75 in); Diameter: 30.5 cm (12 in)
Provenance: Private collection.
Condition: Fair. Significant glaze loss and wear on the lower body, exposing the underlying dark stoneware body. Surface abrasions and mineralization consistent with age and extended use. No restoration. Last three photos are shot in daylight.

Object Description

This is a large, hand thrown stoneware jar from 17th-century China. The vessel has a globular body, a short neck, and four evenly spaced, applied lug handles. It is covered in a dark iron based glaze. Extensive wear and glaze loss on the lower body and base reveal the vessel's primary material: a fine, dark-firing stoneware body.

The four handle configuration facilitated lifting and securing with ropes, indicating its use for heavy transport.

Historical & Functional Context

Jars of this type were essential multifunctional containers in both domestic and maritime economies. They were used for storing and transporting liquids (water, wine, oil) and dry goods (tea, spices). In maritime trade, they also served as ballast, with their weight stabilizing ships; lead weights were often added to increase mass. The four handles are a functional feature for handling a heavy, full container, commonly seen on vessels intended for seafaring trade. Production is attributed to the Shiwan kiln complexes (such as Qishi) in Guangdong Province, major exporters of robust, glazed stoneware during the Ming dynasty. The use of locally sourced, dark firing clays was typical of this region.

Conservation Notes

The ceramic body is stable. Loose glaze has been consolidated to prevent further loss. Surface dirt has been reduced. No infilling or cosmetic restoration has been performed, preserving the jar's archaeological integrity. See less