An Imperial celadon (qing dong) glazed ovoid jar and cover, the tapering ovoid body with a rounded shoulder and short inward slanted neck bears two crescent-shaped simulated handles that are molded in relief. A domed cover fits firmly into the mouth and the entire jar and cover are covered in an even sea-green tone celadon glaze. The fine white paste of the foot rim shows some burning where the glaze stops on the exterior and interior. On the bottom in underglaze blue written in zhuanshu script is the mark and period of Qianlong. This well known form is sometimes called a ri yue guan (sun and moon jar) as its domed cover represents the sun and the crescents on both sides of the body represent the moon. Also known as yueyo er guan (jar with crescent moon handles) and is specifically identified as a tea caddy in Empty Vessels, Replenished Minds: The Culture, Practice, and Art of Tea, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2002, page 178, No. 156. Another identical jar is illustrated by Regina Krahl in Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, Vol. II, No. 866.
清代 Qing Dynasty, 乾隆 Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Height:  8 1/2" (21.6cm)
Provenance:  Private Collection, NY; Vermeer & Griggs Collection No. 158
Condition:  Perfect
This jar was a popular form during the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns of the Qing dynasty and was made covered in sacrificial red (ji hong) and also a blue glaze as well as celadon and are highly prized by collectors.
Please refer to item #CE-348-158 when inquiring.