Wine Jar c. 13th century

This small, undecorated stoneware jar was probably made in China to hold wine, though we don’t know exactly when. The identity of its maker is also lost to history. Such everyday vessels rarely make it into museums unless, like this one, they illuminate the social history of art and design. Throughout the history of ceramics, standardization of form and monochrome glazing tend to indicate a utilitarian function, as opposed to the more ornamental designs made for elites. We can imagine this humble jar as a counterpoint to the elaborate porcelains made for export to Europe. It suggests the existence of a whole other visual culture: local, popular and anonymous. To better understand this object, historians might look at archaeological studies, trade inventories, or even analyze residue inside the jar. All of these methods help us to appreciate the range of aesthetic experiences that existed in the past.