Pair of cizhou type jars representing hares

Rare pair of cizhou type jars representing hares. The elegance of the animals is surprising as well as their dynamism, the brushstroke is precise and rapid without hesitation. The artist got to the point. One hare is leaping and the other is tense. The clay is a pale beige stoneware, the decoration is painted with iron oxide on cream slip. 4 small handles were glued to the slip to be able to hang the jar.
It is exceptional to find models of such elegance in pairs and in perfect condition because the cizhou were highly manipulated utility ceramics and the stoneware that makes them up is not very solid. Even the 8 fine handles are intact.
Normal wear from a few centuries of handling but no cracks, shine or loss. No restoration. The same jar, although rustic and damaged, was sold in 1980 by Sotheby's London, at that time the cizhou were particularly appreciated, today they are shunned by new enthusiasts who are gradually rediscovering Chinese art.
Ming period 16th century or before.
H: 25 cm.