Rare Chinese Carved Green Glazed Ewer, Five Dynasties Period

A rare Chinese cizhou-type carved green glazed ewer, Five Dynasties period (907-979), the slender stoneware ewer carved in deep relief with scrolling peonies, with a spout to the shoulder in the form of a flower bud, the mouth with an undulating rim. Two Oriental ceramic Society exhibition labels to base, one for 1949, item 117, the other for 1955, item 156. Collection label to base for Alfred and ivy Clark collection, with hand written number 402. 11.81 in. high, 4.72 in. wide. Provenance: Alfred and ivy Clark collection, item 402. Exhibitions: Oriental ceramic Society, 1949, item 117. Oriental ceramic Society, 1955, item 156.

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Ewer / Pitcher - A type of jug with a narrow neck bulbous body and wide spout, originally used for carrying and storing liquids such as water or wine. In medieval times they were the source of water to wash ones hands during and after a meal. later the shape was used for vessels in silver, gold, glass and ceramics.

In Victorian times they were made in ceramics and occasionally glass with a matching basin, and sometimes other accessories such as a soap holder or toothbrush holder. Their purpose was to provide facilities for personal washing In the early 19th century were often enclosed in purpose built stands, and later resided on a washstand..

Sometimes the words "ewer" and "pitcher" are used interchangably, but a pitcher is generally considered to be a jug, and would have a wide mouth, and a gently tapering body.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Chinese ceramics, dynasty mark or period - Cizhou ware 29
Chinese ceramics, item type
- ewers 72
- jugs and ewers 150