Glazed Kitchen Jar

A cool, blue-black glaze coats the stout body of this early 20th-century terra cotta kitchen jar. As evidenced by the glazed interior, the wide-mouth jar was once used daily in a provincial Chinese kitchen for fermenting foods and condiments. The jar has a slightly tapered form, with angular shoulders, a rounded rim, and two small strap handles. Stopping short of the base, the jar's dark glaze sheets down the sides with a glossy finish and a range of subtle undertones. Wonderfully textured with firing imperfections, this small jar exemplifies the timeless appeal of handcrafted pottery and makes a wonderful vase or planter.