A small jar originating from the Longquan kilns in Zhejiang province during the Yuan dynasty. The body swells gracefully at the shoulder, encircled by crisply carved fluted ridges executed with strength and precision. A translucent celadon glaze of jade-like clarity covers both interior and exterior surfaces, while the exposed clay at the base has been fired to a stone-like hardness.

Centred in Zhejiang, the Longquan kilns flourished from the Song through the Yuan periods, producing celadons of exceptional quality that were widely exported across East Asia. Many fine examples, like the present work, were treasured in Japan as tea caddies. Here, the vigorous form characteristic of Yuan ceramics harmonises with the cool, verdant tone of the glaze, yielding a composition of rare poise and vitality.

The piece remains in excellent condition, with no conspicuous flaws. It is accompanied by a silk shifuku (drawstring pouch) and a fitted wooden box.