Chinese Yixing Stoneware Covered Jar Dragon Lid Prunus Beast Handle Key Fret Border 3'H

Chinese Yixing Stoneware Covered Jar Dragon Lid Prunus Beast Handle Key Fret Border 3 Inches.

China - Early to Mid 20th Century

A neatly modeled Chinese Yixing stoneware covered jar in the characteristic unglazed grey-buff clay body, decorated throughout in molded and applied relief. The domed lid carries a boldly modeled coiled dragon in high relief within a recessed roundel, with an incised character inscription below; the lid sits flush on a raised rim. The cylindrical body is divided by a horizontal key-fret (huí wén) border band at the shoulder into two registers: the upper register is plain; the lower carries a molded prunus branch composition with blossoms and gnarled trunk extending around the body. Two applied beast-head handles at opposing sides punctuate the shoulder. The flat base bears a square impressed seal mark. The overall surface is smooth and even in the restrained Yixing tradition, the relief decoration crisp throughout.

Dimensions: 2.75"W × 2.75"H (7 × 7 cm) Weight: >1/2lb

Yixing ware — produced in Jiangsu Province and prized by Chinese scholars and tea culture for centuries — is distinguished by its fine-grained unglazed stoneware body and refined molded decoration. This jar's dragon lid, auspicious beast handles, and prunus motif place it squarely in the decorative Yixing tradition produced for the collector and gift market.

Condition: Good; lid present and fitting well. No chips or cracks noted. Minor surface soiling consistent with age and use.

A well-appointed small Yixing jar — the dragon lid and applied beast handles give it considerable decorative presence at a compact scale.