Two Handled Sky-clearying-blue Glazed Jar Decorated with Ox Design in Gold

The dark, rich blue glaze is also known as “sacrificial blue”, “accumulated blue”, or “sapphire blue”. Apart from monochrome blue color glazing, sky-clearing-blue porcelain wares are very often decorated with motifs in gold, or with carved or molded designs beneath the glaze layer. Manufactured in the official kiln of Jingdezhen and used in sacrificial ceremonies, the jar has two oxen painted in gold on the stomach and the contours of its two handles are rendered in gold as well.