Antique Porcelain Spouted Jar with Lugs, China (1106)

Description

Blue and White porcelain was first made in China during the Yuan dynasty and its production increased during the Ming and Qing dynasties. By the Qing, and especially the Tongzhi period, every day functional blue and white porcelains included tea wares, pouring vessels like this, small containers, scholars objects and other serving ware.

This spouted blue and white porcelain jar has four loops or lugs used either for hanging or for sealing the contents using a cover top, now missing. Pieces like this were used in home kitchens and restaurants to hold oil, sauces, soy or other liquids. A natural fiber such as rattan was threaded through the lugs to either affix the top or to hang the piece out of the way. It is decorated with nature and landscape scenes that were very popular at the time. The cobalt is thick and dark in some areas of the foliage and applied with a thin, sparing and light brush elsewhere. It is in good condition with some fading, nicks and discoloration from age and use.