Antique Large Sawankhalok Stoneware Lidded Bowl, Thailand #3168

Description

When 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 included stoneware lidded boxes. These boxes were signs of wealth used to store spices, cosmetics, betel nut paraphernalia, medicine and more. 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. This hefty and finely designed box rests on a short foot. It has a close fitting flat lid with radiating glazed petals surrounding an olive-brown glazed lotus bud handle. The cover’s side has a band of pointed star points and the body is covered with an intricate scroll of white glazed colored branches and florals. The bisque bottom has an ash ring formed when the piece rested in the kiln during firing. The cover’s inside is also unglazed. Although much of the piece is in excellent condition, the cover was broken in two and re-glued and there are minor chips at the body’ inside rim and one the outside rim. If not for this, the price would be considerably higher.

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.