Jar, stoneware with carved decoration of peony scrolls under green 'celadon' glaze, Longquan ware, China, Yuan dynasty, 14th century. Height: 26.7 cm, Diameter: 31.4 cm. 712-1883. © V&A Images.

Guan jar with straight rim, rounded shoulder that taper to the base; stoneware with green 'celadon' glaze; decorated with carved peony scrolls above a band of overlapping petals.

China produced many types of green-glazed wares, in shades ranging from olive to grass to grey-blue. Resembling jade, they were admired for their tranquil beauty. They were often used in Buddhist tea ceremonies and meditation rituals.

Although some were made in northern China, green-glazed wares remained a speciality of the south; this jar was produced at the Longquan kilns in Zhejiang province. Green-glazed vessels were exported in large quantities to South-east Asia and the Middle East. Later European collectors gave these wares the fanciful name of ‘celadon’.