I had to slip this ewer in between posts about mass produced plastics. The spout has the same high angle as last post's vinegar jar but they put a concave bend half way up. The handle has a similar bend towards the neck. It seems like the neck has its own gravity sucking the parts closer to itself creating tension in the form. This inward tension complements the fullness of the round bottom.
Volumetric tension is a foundational element in my pots. I like to set up slip trailed pattern that restricts the fuller altered sections with floral decorations. The downward "V" between sections of this pitcher is a good example. It is a visual string pulling in the volume of the form. The bottom of the spout and the inward movement of the handle add to this constriction. By pulling in on the form you make the expanding parts look softer.
It looks like there is a hint of a lotus petal design drawn on the surface of the ewer. You can see more developed versions of the pattern in bowls, platters, and ceramic pillows. The Five Dynasties period is almost at the high point of the evolution of celedon. The Shanghai Museum collection has great examples of this evolution from the proto-celedons of the late Han (1st cent.) to the glossy turquoise Longquan celedons of the Song dynasty (13th Cent).
The Pot of the Day series features art that I encounter on my visits to museums. These are from the Shanghai Museum collection, which offers a broad range of Chinese ceramics from 3,000 BC to the late 1800's. For the museum website please click here.
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