VesselsChinese6th century

Covered jar with lotus petal decor

second half 6th century

Description

Covered globular jar with short neck, flat base, six squared lug handles encircling the juncture between the neck and shoulders, and with elaborate cover resembling a crown; the body of the jar with decoration of descending lotus petals, the carved tips of the petals flaring and projecting outward at the vessel’s mid-section; stamped decoration of palmettes and circles in two friezes around the shoulders; light gray stoneware with light green celadon glaze over incised, carved, and stamped decoration; lower portion of body and base unglazed. Place of manufacture uncertain, probably northern China.

Classification

Vessels

Technique

Celadon

Medium

Stoneware with celadon glaze

Culture

Chinese

Period

Northern and Southern Dynasties period (420-589) to Sui dynasty (581-618)

Century

6th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Asian Art

Dimensions

with cover: H. 33.8 x Diam. 31 cm (13 5/16 x 12 3/16 in.)

Provenance

[Sotheby's, New York, 31 March and 1 April 2005, lot. 11] sold; to Walter C. Sedgwick Foundation, Woodside, CA (2005-2006), partial gift; to Harvard University Art Museums, 2006.