This rare vessel has features typical of Northern wares made at Yao Region or Yaozhou, which was located in present-day Shaanxi Province. Deeply carved decoration reveals a light grey body below the glossy olive-green glaze. The bulbous body has six carved panels with stylized peony motif. The wide neck and foliated rim comprises six scalloped stems with large petals. The glaze pooled in the recesses of the carving, creates a striking contrast of dark and light that emphasizes the floral pattern. The floral-shaped mouth and the splayed rim of this vessel demonstrate a strong connection with the Tang and the Song metalwork. The high foot pierced on each side as the persimmon-shaped apertures can also be found in the Tang ornamentation. The innovative shape of the Yaozhou wares like this vessel raises issues about the production and consumption of such wares in China, as well as the trade arts of Yaozhou and related wares.
