cizhou type jars representing hares

Rare cizhou type jar representing hare. The elegance of the animal is surprising as well as dynamism, the brushstroke is precise and rapid without hesitation. The artist got to the point. hare is leaping . The clay is a pale beige stoneware, the decoration is painted with iron oxide on cream slip. 4 small handles were glued to the slip to be able to hang the jar.
It is exceptional to find models of such elegance in perfect condition because the cizhou were highly manipulated utility ceramics and the stoneware that makes them up is not very solid. Even the 4 fine handles are intact.
Normal wear from a few centuries of handling but no cracks, shine or loss. No restoration. The same jar, although rustic and damaged, was sold in 1980 by Sotheby's London, at that time the cizhou were particularly appreciated, today they are shunned by new enthusiasts who are gradually rediscovering Chinese art.
Ming period 16th century or before.
H: 25 cm.