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One of the enduring centers of Chinese ceramic production is located in the province of Zhejiang. The great refinement and subtle beauty of the early southeastern stonewares is clearly illustrated in this large storage jar.

The jar was constructed in two sections using different potting techniques undetectable in the seamless profile. Visible ridges on the interior suggest that the lower two-thirds was built from coils of clay that were pressed smooth. Above the broad shoulders, the piece was finished on the wheel. The join is masked on the exterior by sensitively stamped waffle patterns presumably applied while the pot was leather hard and still on a wheel. The stamps are neatly placed and variously spaced, impressed with differing degrees of pressure so that they fade into the smooth, tight skin of the pot.