Cizhou Jar

The production of Cizhou ware was stimulated by a large demand for wine jars in different sizes and shapes – a natural development, as some kilns were located in areas of Hebei given over to vineyards and wine making. Local merchants ordered jars from the local kiln to contain their wine. The ovoid, small-mouthed jar with four loop handles on the shoulders is dated to the Yuan period. Most comparable jars with similar black-painted lower bodies make direct or indirect references to wine, with either an inscription on the shoulders or freestyle vine leaf and grape motifs on the belly.