An exceptional, genuine Chinese export stoneware storage jar. Produced in the prominent coastal kilns of South China during the Song Dynasty, these jars were the heavy-duty cargo containers of the global spice and tea trade, used to transport water, oils, and preserved goods across maritime trade routes. The jar features a beautifully potted ovoid body tapering to a flat, unglazed base. The shoulder is accented with fine concentric incised rings and two symmetrically placed horizontal loop handles (lugs) modeled with traditional zoomorphic styling. The body is enveloped in a thick, lustrous black-brown iron glaze that pools beautifully and stops short of the foot in organic, heavy droplets—a hallmark of authentic period craftsmanship. The jar is in excellent antique condition, showcasing magnificent historical character. The glaze exhibits an authentic matte weathered patina, accompanied by earth/mineral encrustations acquired over centuries. The unglazed base remains stable, showing expected firing characteristics, coarse sand inclusions, and minor edge wear from age. No structural cracks or modern restorations. Classification: Chinese Export Black-Glazed Twin-Handled Storage Jar (Henan / South Chinese Style). Period: Song Dynasty Material: High-fired, coarse-grained grey stoneware. Glaze: Thick, iron-rich black-brown glaze running short of the base in thick droplets. Form: Ovoid body with a short, rolled neck, decorated with incised concentric rings on the shoulder and two symmetrical, stylized animal-form loop handles (lugs). Height: 16,5 cm. Width: 12,5 cm. Weight: 651,5 gr.