Guan Yan Series ·Large Jar with Lacquered Wooden Lid Wood-Fired Ceramic by Jiang Ma Xiang – Contemporary Ceramic Art | EmberArte

Guan Yan Series · Large Wood-Fired Ceramic Jar with Lacquered Wooden Lid
by Jiang Ma Xiang

This large ceramic jar belongs to Jiang Ma Xiang’s Guan Yan (Contemplating Stone) Series.

The jar’s exterior features pronounced horizontal striations and compressed layers, evoking geological sediment shaped over time. Subtle variations in tone—ranging from deep iron reds to earthy browns and ash-softened yellows—are the result of prolonged wood firing and natural ash interaction. No two surfaces are alike; each piece records its unique position within the kiln.

The lid is crafted separately from a wooden core and finished with traditional natural lacquer (urushi), creating a refined contrast between the organic roughness of the ceramic body and the quiet elegance of the lacquered surface. This combination highlights the dialogue between different materials and crafts—ceramics, wood, and lacquer—each aging gracefully over time.

Both functional and sculptural, the jar can be used for storage or presented as a standalone object. It embodies a restrained, contemplative aesthetic, emphasizing material honesty, structure, and the slow rhythm of making.

Material: Wood-fired ceramic body, wooden core lid with natural lacquer finish
Technique: Hand-built, traditional wood firing
Series: Guan Yan
Characteristics: Layered texture, natural ash effects, one-of-a-kind surface
Function: Storage jar / sculptural vessel