Ovoid covered jar with flowering plants near rocks and lotus scrolls c. 1675 - 1699

This covered jar was made by an anonymous maker, and is decorated with flowering plants near rocks and lotus scrolls. It is made out of faience, a technique that has been around since ancient Egypt. The jar’s material affects its appearance in several ways. Faience is known for its smooth texture and opaque quality, making it ideal for painting intricate designs. The cobalt-blue decoration here sits beautifully against the white background, resulting from the potter’s skill. It is made by painting decoration onto an unfired body, coating the piece in a clear glaze, and then firing it at a high temperature. Although unsigned, the jar’s form and motifs reflect broader trends in ceramics. From the careful craftsmanship of the jar itself, to the labor and artistry of applying the decorative painting, this vessel embodies a convergence of skilled traditions. Ultimately, understanding this jar involves more than just appreciating its beauty. It requires acknowledging the potter's wheel, the painter's brush, and the wider historical and cultural context in which this object was created.