This dark stoneware jarlet of globular form has an incised decoration of a band of floral scrolls. The dark-coloured slip (liquid clay) has been carved away to reveal an underlying white slip that covers the whole body. Most Cizhou wares such as this example, are recognised by their sturdy forms and bold black-and-white decorations. Designs are often freely incised or carved using a technique of white and black slip.Cizhou wares of this type were domestic wares. They were not mentioned in the writings of the Song dynasty and there is no evidence of such wares being used at court. The inferior status of Cizhou wares often belies the natural, energetic feeling of these wares.
