A Large Painted Cizhou Guan, Yuan or Early Ming Dynasty, 14th Century, North China. From Nicholas de la Mare Thompson (1928-2010). This large heavily potted guan, a wine jar from the collection of Nicholas Thompson, is made of stoneware covered with a cream-coloured slip. The painting is very similar to a well know Cizhou jar in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, indeed, it seems likely the two jars were painted by the same person. Another very closely related jar, dated to the Yuan dynasty was sold at Christie's New York, see 'References'. The painting of the present jar is done at speed with great confidence, the broad borders and fine detail are all swiftly and skilfully. The three panels are made using single long strokes of a fully loaded brush, an elderly bearded scholar is walking along, he seems to be pointing, is diminutive assistant, follows close behind the senior person.  The next panel depicts a scholarly man faces his assistant, who as in the other panel, hides his face. The third panel is of a stork, in China storks are symbols of longevity, wisdom and immortality. They are also associated with noble character, long-lasting love, and spiritual travel between heaven and earth. A Painted Yuan Cizhou Jar, very similar to the Present Example was sold for $68,750 (£50,000 at today's rate) on March 17th, 2017, at Christie's New York. See below the Photograph Gallery in 'Information' for a photograph of the Christie's jar as well as other related Yuan Cizhou jars.   See Below For More Photographs and Information. SOLD