This large, Cizhou-type "guan" (罐) jar of ovoid form has a design of two phoenixes flying amidst cloud scrolls. The design which encircles the jar's upper part is incised through a dark slip to reveal a lighter slip beneath. Cizhou wares usually combine scroll motifs with peony or leaf motifs. 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 is situated at the Ci county of Hebei province but the term ‘Cizhou ware’ has been loosely used to refer to a type of sturdy stonewares produced at several kilns in the northern provinces throughout the Song, Yuan and even Ming dynasties. Cizhou ware was considered popular and utilitarian ware, inferior in status to the other major wares such as Jun and Ding wares that enjoyed imperial patronage.
