Dish with two handles

In China, the application of ash glaze goes back as far as the Shang dynasty, though it is uncertain which specific kiln sites manufactured ash-glazed products at that time. The early glazed stoneware of the Shang-Zhou periods was primarily intended for everyday use. Characteristics that identify this important specimen as the product of the Wuzhou kiln in central western Zhejiang include the dark green tone of the glaze puddled in places, the S-shaped appliqués on either side of the handles, and the arrow mark incised at the bottom (WW 1987.8: 709; WW 1987.5: 38).