Antique Large Sawankhalok Stoneware Lidded Bowl, Thailand (3168GOM) $215

Description

Sawankhalok in north-central Thailand is an area with a large ceramic kiln output during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1583). When Ming emperors forbade export of Chinese ceramics from 1368-1487, a period known as the Ming Gap, Thailand became a major ceramics producer and exporter to Southeast Asia, Japan and the Middle East. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Sawankhalok kilns produced a large range of shapes with a glaze of their own unique creations. Stoneware lidded boxes were functional-and-utilitarian and signs of wealth for Thais and overseas owners. They were used to store spices, cosmetics, betel nut paraphernalia, medicine and more and they are sometimes found buried with the deceased for use in the afterlife. Round shapes, lotus bud handles and floral design motifs were adopted from Hindu and Buddhist reliquaries and architectural elements. The most famous and prized ceramics of this period produced in Thailand included glazed stonewared and celadons recognized for their high quality and beauty.  Although much of this piece is in very good condition, the cover was broken in two and re-glued, and there are minor chips at the body’s inside rim and one on the outside rim.

Sources:

Roxanna Maude Brown, The Ming Gap and Shipwreck Ceramics in Southeast Asia: Towards a Chronology of Thai Trade Ware, Bangkok, Siam Society, 2009.

Louise Allison Cort with George Ashley Williams IV and David P. Rehfuss, “Ceramics in Mainland and Southeast Asia, National Museum of Asian Art,” Collections in the Freer Gallery of Art,

Tom Harrison, “Ming Gap and Kota Batu, Brunei,” The Sarawak Museum Journal, New Series 8(11)/Old Series (26), pp. 273-77, 1958.

University of Michigan Museum of Art, “Sawankhalok Ware Covered Box with a conch handle, a band of stars, and vegetal school design.

Yew Seng Tai, “Ming Gap and the Revival of Commercial Production of Blue and White Porcelain in China,” Beijing, School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University, Vol. 31, 2011.