An ewer fired in the Lushan Duandian kiln during the Tang dynasty. It features a heavy bulging shape and has a spout, two small lug handles and a strap handle. The ethereal “Flower glaze”, which is a black background with splashed white glaze, is one of the designs that characterise this kiln.

Lushan Duandian ware is a kiln that once existed in Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province. It is known for a wide variety of works, including the Cizhou and Jun ware style, as well as celadon and brown glaze, in the later period. However, during the Tang dynasty, the kiln was celebrated for its distinctive “Flower glazes,” such as this example. This glaze, which predates the Tenmoku and Namako (sea cucumber) glazes, holds a unique place in ceramic history, even though it has received less attention compared to the more flamboyant Tang Sancai ware.

A similar piece is documented in the catalogue Lushan Duandian Kiln Relics (edited by Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology). Apart from a minor chip on the spout, there are no noticeable defects.