Measuring Jar, 13th century

  • Chinese

Stoneware with underglaze iron pigment and clear glaze

  • Overall: 3 × 3 3/4 inches (7.6 × 9.5 cm)

Founders Society Purchase, gift of Mr. and Mr. 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.

(Sotheby's, New York, New York, USA)

1993-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)

Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Sales cat., Sotheby's. New York, June 2,1993, lot 281.

Chinese, Measuring Jar, 13th century, stoneware with underglaze iron pigment and clear glaze. Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase, gift of Mr. and Mr. Lawrence Fisher by exchange, 1993.57.