Ewer with palmettes and seated lion

Ewers with short spouts form the second largest group of Changsha wares recovered from the shipwreck. Artists created innovative decorations be applying different reliefs of moulded clay to the jugs. The most common were foliage motifs, which were sometimes tied with a bow and flanked by birds. Many of the foliage motifs feature leaves and clusters of fruits that might represent the date palm. This palm was an important part of the cultural and economic fabric of the Middle East, and its depiction on these ewers reflects the Changsha potters’ response to foreign markets. The lion was one of the more unusual designs. These applique elements were then accentuated by patches of dark brown glaze.

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