Measuring Jar, 13^th-14th century
Chinese, Southern Song-Yuan dynasties, Jizhou kilns
Stoneware with underglaze iron slip decoration
Founders Society Purchase, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Fisher, by exchange
1993.57

This measuring jar was once part of a graduated set for measuring foodstuffs. The Jizhou kilns were engaged in producing wares for the Chinese middle class and for export. This jar is unique because the decoration continues on the base where a single chrysanthemum blossom is meticulously painted in an area that would have been seen only in the process of scooping. The major zone of decoration imitates the basket weave used for fishing traps, which were similar in shape with a bulbous base and narrowed neck.