Two-eared jar, Jun ware 1197 - 1303

This two-eared jar was created by an anonymous Chinese artist, using Jun ware. The jar's most striking feature is its glaze. Jun ware is known for its thick, opalescent glazes, the result of a complex firing process. The vibrant colors, ranging from sky blue to crimson, are not painted on, but emerge through liquid separation in the kiln, a phenomenon known as phase separation. Notice the fine crackle pattern across the surface, a further effect of the firing process. The jar's form is simple, almost spherical, with small loop handles on either side. The form would have been thrown on a potter's wheel, a technology that requires considerable skill and practice to master. Jun ware was highly prized by the imperial court, and its production was carefully controlled. It represents the pinnacle of ceramic craftsmanship, where technical expertise meets artistic vision. Understanding the materials and processes used to create this jar allows us to appreciate the skill and artistry of the anonymous maker. It challenges our notions of fine art and craft, revealing the deep connections between material, making, and social context.