Antique Chinese Stoneware Wine & Medicinal Storage Bottles

Rare Chinese stoneware medicinal wine bottles, dating to the Republican period, circa 1930s–1940s, and bearing politically significant inscriptions associated with the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). Of rectangular, slab-built construction, each vessel is finished in a rich, dark brown glaze, with a short cylindrical neck and removable ceramic stopper. The unglazed bases reveal the natural buff-coloured clay body, while the slightly irregular profiles reflect their method of manufacture.

Of particular interest are the contrasting cream-coloured panels bearing Chinese calligraphy. The shorter inscription reads 抗日必勝 (Kàng Rì Bì Shèng), translating as ‘Victory over Japan is certain’, while the longer inscription reads 打倒日本帝國主義 (Dǎdǎo Rìběn Dìguó Zhǔyì), meaning ‘Down with Japanese imperialism’. Such slogans were widely employed in China during the resistance against Japanese occupation, particularly throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Their presence provides an intriguing historical context, although it cannot establish the precise date of manufacture.

The bottles belong to a practical tradition of Chinese ceramic liquid-storage vessels, their narrow necks and fitted stoppers suggesting use for wine, medicinal preparations or other liquids. Now best appreciated as historical and decorative objects, they would sit particularly well amongst a collection of Chinese ceramics, on open shelving or displayed together on a cabinet or dresser.

H:21cm W:12cm D:7cm Sold individually