Lidded Jar

Place of OriginChina

DateSong Dynasty (960-1279)

Dimensions9 1/4 × 5 1/2 in. (23.5 × 14 cm)

MediumPorcelaneous stoneware, known as Longquan ware

ClassificationCeramics

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1928.193A-B

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 35

DescriptionDecorated in relief (applied slip) with dragon and jewel at neck and shoulder and lanceolate leaf motif at base. Cover knob a swan.

Label TextNamed after the kiln-site Longquan in Southern Zhejiang Province, these wares were the most important ceramics of Southern China during the Song Dynasty. The gray-green color called celadon imitated precious jade. Longquan ware was so prized that cracks and imperfections were often filled with gold.