We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Globular jar decorated with relief 'head and hand' motif

late 18th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Globular jar decorated with relief 'head and hand' motif by

  • Details

    Other Title
    Heirloom jar
    Place where the work was made
    Guangdong Province → China
    Date
    late 18th century
    Media category
    Ceramic
    Materials used
    stoneware with brown glaze
    Dimensions
    47.0 x 45.0 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Mr F Storch 1992
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    195.1992
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    The round face on one side of the jar, and the human hand on the other are unusual design features. Scholar Barbara Harrisson has identified the hand as the armorial insignia of the city of Antwerp, which would have appeared on the city's coins from the 1600s on. The full face may also be a variation on the profiles found on coins. This curious pattern is one of numerous designs on Bornean heirloom jars that recall the close links between South China and West Borneo formed during the 1700s.

    The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.144.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 2 exhibitions

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 2 publications

  • Provenance

    Peter Kuring, 1980, Australia, Peter Kuring recorded as the owner in John Guy, ‘Oriental Trade Ceramics in South-East Asia’, published by the National Gallery of Victoria, 1980.

    Fred Storch, pre 1992, Australia, donated to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Jun 1992.