GOURD-SHAPED EWER, Qingbai, Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE)

This gourd-shaped ewer, crafted in Qingbai porcelain during the Northern Song Dynasty (11th-12th century), exemplifies the elegance of the period.

The body of the ewer features twelve vertical ribs, complemented by a slender spout and a flat, ribbon-like handle. Both the lid and handle are adorned with rings, designed for securing cords or ties. This particular form of ewer is frequently depicted in hanging scrolls related to the preparation of brewed tea.

Finely crafted from high-quality clay, the ewer is coated with a slightly bluish transparent glaze that extends to the base. This bluish-white porcelain, known as Qingbai, was widely produced in the region surrounding Jingdezhen, which later became renowned for its blue-and-white ceramics during the Yuan Dynasty. While the rim exhibits slight fraying, it remains a captivating piece worthy of museum display, with no leaks present.