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Heavily potted jar with ovoid body, short, inclined neck and rolled lip. The shoulder with four moulded strap handles. The glazed base recessed within a broad footring, kiln grit adhering. The sides painted with a band of three phoenixes, coiled with spread wings among chrysanthemum sprays and flames above a band of flowering peony sprays. Around the shoulder a leaf scroll, the base and neck with leaves and spirals.
These sturdy jars, used for storage of food and wine, were hand-thrown in two parts. The separate parts on this example are emphasized by a different decoration above and below the horizontal bands on the seam. This is an indication that the jar belongs to Group I as can also be concluded from the swift manner of painting without outlines. The phoenixes perform an elegant dance on the upper part of the jar. A typical decorative device in this group is the flower with the spiral heart depicted on the lower half. The jar was collected in Indonesia.
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