Large Jar
Data
| Artist | Jiaotan ware |
|---|---|
| Period | China, Southern Song dynasty, 12th - 13th century |
| Materials and techniques | Celadon |
| Size | H.36.5 MD.18.9 D.28.2 BD.20.0 |
Explanation
Jiaotan kilns located at the foot of Tortoise Hill (Wugui shan) came to be called by this name because they were in close proximity of Jiaotan, the Sacrificial Altar to Heaven and Earth where the Emperors prayed to heaven. Because of the high iron content in the clay, Jiaotan ware has a deep, mystifying color and is characterized by miniscule irregular crackles that cover the entire glazed surface. This is a large jar which was discovered from the ruins of Yuan Ming Yuan, an extravagant Summer Palace of the Qing dynasty. A renowned masterpiece, the jar, elegant and refined, is covered in a glaze the color of jasper and is surprisingly light in weight.