A small ewer of Cizhou ware, fired during the Northern Song dynasty. The vessel is characterised by a slender, elongated neck and a short spout. The body is coated with a white slip and covered with a transparent glaze. Large numbers of similar undecorated wares were excavated from the site of Julu—an ancient town buried by flooding of the Yellow River—and such pieces were once referred to in Japan as Kyoroku-de (wares of Julu type).

This example is a miniature in the form of a ewer, likely made as a funerary object or possibly as a water dropper for use with inkstones. A clear, lustrous glaze, finely crackled throughout, enhances the soft whiteness of the surface.

Some adhering soil is visible, though there is little dulling, and the glaze retains a healthy sheen. Apart from small chips to the neck and handle, there are no significant defects, and the overall condition is good.