A small jar originating at the Qiong kilns of the Chengdu Plain in Sichuan during the Southern Song dynasty. It exhibits a bead-like silhouette with a rounded, swollen body. A rich brown glaze is applied down to the waist, while white slip lines decoration—known as sidaogang (“four stripes”)—is adorned on the body. The unglazed lower body has darkened through carbonisation during firing, a characteristic feature of wares from this kiln.

The Qiong kilns were active from the Tang dynasty onwards, originally known for their finely crafted burial goods. Over time, however, they came to focus increasingly on everyday vessels such as this example, which represents the later phase of the kiln’s production. Due to the relatively soft clay body, pieces preserved in such fine condition are exceedingly rare. Its restrained palette—where the mellow brown glaze contrasts with the pale slip—evokes the enduring spirit of ancient Shu craftsmanship.

Apart from minor areas of glaze flakings, the jar remains in remarkably good condition.