Quadrangular vase in the form of a Neolithic ritual jade object (Cong)

A tall, square-sectioned stoneware vase with a short cylindrical neck stands on a pale surface. Each of its four faces is divided by vertical ridges into panels filled with stacked raised horizontal bars, evoking the banded form of a ritual jade cong. The crackled grey glaze is rendered in soft tonal gradations.

Look closer: A small chip is visible on the upper left shoulder of the vase body.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Stoneware with crackled grey glaze (Shiwan ware)

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

2899 × 4000 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Colman, 1893