Rare Chinese Neolithic Pottery Owl Jar / Ewer - Qijia Culture

This rare and interesting pottery vessel was made by peoples of the Qijia Culture (c. 2050 - 1700 BC). Such vessels are sometimes called "owl" jars. It is quite "heavily-potted" and made from a grey pottery that is relatively highly-fired. The "top" of the vessel, as well as the surface of the single andle, has woven impressions, most likely made when this piece of clay was being formed, resting on some kind of woven material, prior to being luted to the top of the ewer. A strip of clay in a "W" pattern had been applied across this cover, but only one end of it now survives. There are two holes in the top of the ewer, opposite the loop handle to enable it to be used as a pouring vessel (and also to be seen as two eyes of the owl !). On much of the inner surface are the remains of ancient root/plant growths from its long burial.

Height 12 cm. It is in very good condition with a possible stabilised crack around part of the waist, although there is no sign of any crack to the inner surface..

Note: some of the Qijia "owl jars" that have appeared on the market in recent years are in fact the basic "cord-impressed" jars with a modern top added - let us stress that this jar is entirely genuine.

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