Earthy textures, sculptural forms and a natural palette of creme white, rust red and terracotta orange – some of the many reasons we’re in love with the extraordinary early ceramics of China’s Yunnan province. We’re honored to have recently become stewards of a rare collection of 14th-century offering vessels from Yunnan, each one utterly unique and beautiful in its imperfections. 

Attributed to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) or earlier, these ceramic offering vessels, or spirit jars, are lidded containers intended to honor one’s ancestors. Some were filled with fragrant plants or incense that was ritually burned, while others housed caches of precious offerings, such as flowers, grains, cowrie shells, calligraphy, tortoise shells, or artifacts in bronze, silver or gold.

The collection of 14th c. vessels brings organic color and texture to our Chicago gallery.
Filled with meaningful offerings and adorned with blessings of enlightenment, these hand-formed vessels were created as focal points for the mind and spirit.

Unlike the fine wares of Northern imperial kilns, the early ceramics of Western Yunnan province were imbued with freeform movement and mythical symbolism. Shaped by hand, these offering vessels were potted from unrefined regional clay, rather than porcelain, and finished with relief patterns and slip clay pigments, rather than highly developed glazes.

No two the same, each offering vessel has a unique spirit and silhouette.
Each design was guided by the creative impulses of the artist, traceable in their asymmetrical silhouettes and organic decoration. Some are freely etched with meandering lines, while others are encircled with pinched ruffles that still bear the maker’s fingerprints. Molded appliqués embellish the shoulders and painted brushstrokes sweep across the sides.

The shoulder of this Yuan-dynasty jar is adorned with low relief animals of the zodiac and folk mythology.

Freeform etchings enliven the sides of this round, Yuan-dynasty lotus jar.
Beyond artistic expression, the layered motifs that decorate these offering vessels carry unique meanings and bestow blessings. Many are Buddhist motifs offering spiritual guidance, such as lotus flowers for purity of mind, the Bodhi tree for enlightenment and vajras for compassion. The tiered, domed shape of many of the jar lids is reminiscent of a stupa reliquary, a symbol of the universe and a source of spiritual energy. 

Some of these motifs, such as broad lotus petals, were borrowed from southeast Asian ceramics as a result of overseas trade routes and minority diaspora. The animals of the zodiac are another motif seen across these two ceramic traditions, representing devotion and renewal.

This Yuan-dynasty offering jar is enveloped in lotus petals, depicted in freeform etchings and brushed pigments.
Sculpted with rich meaning over 600 years ago, these rare offering vessels inspire moments of reflection. With earthen texture and intriguing form, each jar is a unique opportunity to look backwards through time – and inwards to ponder.