Vase

Black-glazed ceramics were widely produced for everyday uses in northern China during the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234). Jars of this shape, with a rounded body and small mouth, were typically used to store wine. Relatively simple to produce, the jar was wheel-formed in sections and luted together. After drying, it could be dipped in a glaze made with about six percent iron oxide to create the deep black color. After that dried, a glaze with a different iron oxide content was painted on with a thick brush, resulting in the bold, abstract brown patterns during firing.