Everything done by the Chinese was skillful and artistic. They were brilliant crafstmen and their patience is undeniable. Perhaps this is because of their expansive interest in philosophy and meditation, or perhaps it is because of their concept of nature. Either way it is an understatement to say they appreciated beauty in every aspect of life.
This storage jar was created in the late Ming Dynasty. Where in present day we package things up in mass produced crates to ship them, in China this Martaban stoneware jar provided storage for overseas trade. The large jars were typically produced near port towns for the convenience of shippers. They would carry oil, wine, fruit, pickles or even delicate ceramics. The designs on such jars were made with black, brown and amber glazes and typically depicted dragons, waves, pearls and clouds, themes of the sea. This particular jar bares the design of a dragon thrashing through strong waves. It was discovered in the Philippines where it must have settled its journey of trade.
I chose this particular piece because I feel like there is more to it than just a jar. It is a piece of artwork as well as a practical tool and it has been on a journey that we can only guess. I only wish that the image was clearer so I could observe the detail that I know must exist even after so many centuries.
When I read the first sentence I thought: That seems a little overstated. Thinking more and reading on, I discovered that indeed here is artistic embellishment in a medium where that is completely unnecessary and yest he Chinese certainly go beyond the level. I am amazed that something so utilitarian as a shipping container would have such detail in craft and decoration. There are definitely vases that lean more toward the aesthetic than this but they were/are purely decorative. This piece truly illuminates the nature of art in something by contrast. We expect a piece of decoration to be decorative but not a tool. This juxtaposition of two basic human creations (tools and art) in one piece is instructive about the nature of both and what it to be a creation by human hand. What I immediately thought about was what a delightful world this would be if such thought and care were put into our everyday utility still. Imagine a world where shipping containers were as decorative as these. But who knows? Maybe steel shipping crates will find their way into galleries of the future as we grow further from the individual craft of everyday objects.
I found your blog searching for any information I could find on Chinese stoneware shipping jars–thanks for posting on these. I am wondering–you said “I chose this particular piece”: do you know of any other examples/information available online about these pieces? I have found one at an antique shop and would like to learn more about them. Thanks very much for anything you can share.