Vessels of this form were probably used for discarding liquids, such as the dregs of tea, or as spittoons. The soft grey-green glaze is typical of ceramics produced in the Zheijiang province from the 2^nd century onwards. The glaze was made from wood ash and clay, and the brown spots were created with splashes of iron pigment.

This is a forerunner of the celebrated Yue greenwares (named after the ancient Yue state that once controlled the area of Zhejiang), which came to be regarded as the finest in China. During the latter part of the Tang dynasty (618-907), Yue wares were acclaimed by poets and used as tribute for the imperial court. They became a model for other celadon (green-glazed) wares produced elsewhere in China and beyond. Notable imitations include the green wares of Yaozhou and the Goryeo celadons of Korea.

Provenance: The Oriental Art Fund, London, 12 June 1996; Accepted in lieu of Inheritance tax by HM Government from the estate of Anthony du Boulay in 2024 and allocated to the Winchester College Treasury Museum.

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2