A nice and finely done Jin dynasty Cizhou wine bottle jar decorated with a painted and incised band of scolling peony flowers and vines along the center. The slender ovoid shape and lug-shaped handles typical of the period. This type and shape of bottle was mainly used in taverns to serve wine. Examples are know with the name of the taverns inscribed on the bottle. PROVENANCE: Bought by Fra Tove and Karl Emil Strømstads from McPherson at the Olympia Fine Arts and Antiques Fair, June 1994. Added to their collection under no. 217 REFERENCE: See a similar but later (broader) example at Sotheby's (USD 3,780) https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/china-5000-years-4/a-painted-cizhou-floral-handled-jar-yuan-ming Also a similar one, but restored at Sotheby's (USD 8,750) https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/informing-the-eye-of-the-collector-chinese-ceramics-and-works-of-art-from-jt-tai-co-n08722/lot.293.html A cruder done example at Christie's (3,000) https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5719808 See a inscribed examples at The British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_PDF-316 Dimensions: H27 x W14 cm Condition: Quasi perfect condition! Small scratches throughout consistent with age, two baking flaws on the lower side of the body. No damage! Checked with strong UV light for defects. Shipping method: The item is securely packed and shipped with insurance without stand or miniature teapot.