This measuring jar was once part of a graduated set for measuring foodstuffs. The Jizhou kilns were engaged in producing wares for the Chinese middle class and for export. This jar is unique because the decoration continues on the base where a single chrysanthemum blossom is meticulously painted in an area that would have been seen only in the process of scooping. The major zone of decoration imitates the basket weave used for fishing traps, which were similar in shape with a bulbous base and narrowed neck.
Artist Chinese
Title
  • Measuring Jar
  • Measuring Jar with Chrysanthemum and Basket Weave Motifs (alternate title)
Date 13th century
Medium Stoneware with underglaze iron pigment and clear glaze
Dimensions Overall: 3 × 3 3/4 inches (7.6 × 9.5 cm)
Credit Line Founders Society Purchase, gift of Mr. and Mr. Lawrence Fisher by exchange
Accession Number 1993.57
Department Asian Art
Not On View
(Sotheby's, New York, New York, USA);
1993-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Sales cat., Sotheby's. New York, June 2,1993, lot 281.