Vase, Cizhou ware, China, Northern Song dynasty (1025-1050). Stoneware with cream-coloured slip, incised and punched. Height: 38.0 cm, Diameter: 16.0 cm. Purchased with the assistance of The Art Fund, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee. C.31-1935 © V&A Images.

his slender jar is an example of Cizhou ware, a term embracing a range of high-fired stoneware made in several regions of northern China. The distinguishing feature is the white or cream-coloured slip (a thin layer of diluted firing clay), covering the body, on which a variety of decoration is made. Cizhou potters were highly creative. The decorative techniques were employed. Cizhou potters were highly creative, using carving, incising, combing, inlaying, stamping, underglaze painting and overglaze enamelling to decorate their wares. Very often two or more these techniques are combined to decorate single object. Here, the design of camellia flowers on a scrolling leafy branch was incised, but variety was achieved by setting the flowers against a ring-punched background. 

Cizhou stonewares were produced across northern China over a long period. Covered with white or cream slip, they had decoration of many different types. Here the design was incised into the slip. It includes a scroll with camellia flowers against a ‘ring-matted’ background. The shape is called a meiping, or ‘prunus vase’, in Chinese. Yet its sturdy body and thick base suggest it was a container for alcohol. 

Bibliographic References: Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London:V&A Publications, 2004. p. 62, no. 59.
Liefkes, Reino and Hilary Young (eds.) Masterpieces of World Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: V&A Publishing, 2008, pp. 34-35.

Exhibition: Early Chinese Pottery and Porcelain (Burlington Fine Arts Club 01/01/1910-31/12/1910)
International Exhibition of Chinese Art (Royal Academy of Arts 01/01/1935-31/12/1936)