Identification

by rob gerritsen
(Amsterdam - The Netherlands)

Dear All,

Recently I put a picture of one of these two jars on the blog. Recently I received a reply that stated that this type of jar has come up in the Blog once or twice before, perhaps a year ago.
Allthough undeniable an expert, the person who replied had little knowledge about such jars. He stated it doesn't look like Ming. Originally he thought they are fakes (because some fakes are painted sloppy) or perhaps made in Vietnam, but he remembered having seen it mentioned in a book or other source, later. He couldn't remember clearly what it said, though, only that it seems to be a legitimate Chinese item.
As the subject of the decoration is painted in such an unclear manner, it is difficult to use that for evaluation, but from the shape it could be 18th or 19th century. Probably from a non-mainstream kiln and for the use of common people. Now I found a similar jar, with quite a similar decoration but this time with glazing on the top.

I have to mention that in Amsterdam, such jars seem to appear now and again on the marked. Perhaps it has to do with Holland being a seafaring nation with connections to and from China, Delft and Amsterdam. The conclusion of the other expert could fit with the sailing boats to and from China, 18th and 19th century.

Can anybody help me out with more information about these jars and their heritage? Thanks in advance for your reply, much appeciated.