DIA275xH90mm, China
We are used to seeing blue and white porcelain, the black and white pottery is equally famous, dated back to the Sung dynasty. Originated from Ci Zhou, He Bei (north eastern China), at the end of Sung dynasty, to escape from the war in the north, artisan and craftsman moved to the south and brought along the technique with them. Ci Zhou pottery is not only rooted in Ci Zhou but Ji Zhou in the south.
Unlike blue and white porcelain, the white background of hte Ci Zhou ware is made by coating the pottery with a white slip. In this particular item, under glaze is then painted after bisque firing and coated with transparent glazing. In some Ci Zhou ware the idea of the slip is push to the extreme where strokes and carving comes into play.
Mountain Folkcraft 