A rare small stoneware ewer, Tang Dynasty, 618-906, 9.5 cm high,…
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A rare small stoneware ewer, Tang Dynasty, 618-906, 9.5 cm high, with a good even dark tea-dust glaze, supported on a flat buff-coloured foot. Reference: See 'Tang Pottery and Porcelain', Nezu Institute, 1988, cat no 29, p36 for a similar ewer
ewer / pitcher. A type of jug with a narrow neck bulbous body and wide spout, originally used for carrying and storing liquids such as water or wine. In medieval times they were the source of water to wash ones hands during and after a meal. later the shape was used for vessels in silver, gold, glass and ceramics.
In Victorian times they were made in ceramics and occasionally glass with a matching basin, and sometimes other accessories such as a soap holder or toothbrush holder. Their purpose was to provide facilities for personal washing In the early 19th century were often enclosed in purpose built stands, and later resided on a washstand..
Sometimes the words "ewer" and "pitcher" are used interchangably, but a pitcher is generally considered to be a jug, and would have a wide mouth, and a gently tapering body.
The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.
