A very fine example of an Eastern Zhou / Warring states stoneware funerary grain jar. This is a Chinese burial piece that has been stamped by hand with a cross-hatched, lattice-work pattern. Other jars of this type displayed grain, rice or fabric patterned stamps that will have symbolised what was put in the urn during burial. With this type of pattern (which I have only seen on only one other example from this period) I would hazard that a stitched textile was used to press this pattern. Alternatively, the pattern is also remarkably similar to cross-hatched designs used on bronzes from the Zhou period. This could suggest that the jar was modelled on ancient bronzes as a replica for the real bronze object that will have been too precious to bury. Housed within a fitted silk lined box of an 80s or 90s style.
For similar sized jars with a fluted rim please see an example in the Met Museum (Accession #: 1986.97.2) and, 'an earthenware jar with impressed fabric decoration,' which sold at Bonhams in their Fine Art Sale (21/06/11).
The jar is in fantastic condition but note that there are two chips to the rim. Rather remarkable given its age.
For similar sized jars with a fluted rim please see an example in the Met Museum (Accession #: 1986.97.2) and, 'an earthenware jar with impressed fabric decoration,' which sold at Bonhams in their Fine Art Sale (21/06/11).
The jar is in fantastic condition but note that there are two chips to the rim. Rather remarkable given its age.