Song-Yuan Dynasty (11th-14th c) brown-glazed Martaban storage jar; Height: 13.75 in. = 34.92 cm; Width: 12.5 in. = 31.75 cm; Upper opening (outer diameter): 5 in. = 12.7 cm; Weight: 13 lb. = 5.896 kg; A stoneware pottery jar used for storage, made in southern China Fujian or Guangdong province, since Song Dynasty for domestic use, as well as export. They were widely exported to South East Asia and further afield, and sometimes known as Martaban Jars due to the transit port of that name in Burma. This jar on offer is of the classic form, likely made in the South China during Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty (11-14th century, precisely dating these pieces are difficult). The jar features a full dipped dark iron glaze on the top half of the body. Some glaze running and uneven application makes this piece very charming. Four hand-molded handles perch on the shoulder for ropes in its original use. Strong surface wear and characteristic patina suggests its age and possible burial history. Part of the glaze near the bottom, appears worn off due to the use and age, or it wasn't applied fully originally. It retains an old dealer sticker on the upper part as shown in one of the detail photos. These utilitarian jars were humble in nature, unrefined and rustic, devoid of excessive decoration, but some resumed a mystic status in cultures such as Japanese, Philippine and Borneo Dyak people. - Provenance: this item comes from the private collection of Lou A. and Barbara B. Pritchett. Lou Pritchett was the ex-Vice President of Procter and Gamble. Lou Pritchett rose through the ranks at Procter & Gamble and was instrumental in the creation of the partnership between Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart. Pritchett was instrumental in bringing Proctor & Gamble to the Philippines during his time there. Now retired, Lou is a sought-after public speaker and author of Stop Paddling & Start Rocking the Boat.