Known as the first Thai independent polity (society), the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1438)was the first independent kingdom in Thai history. It was originally a major trade center under the Khmer Kingdom, but after revolting against the Khmer, the Thais gained independence and built their domain around the ancient city of Sukhothai in north-central Thailand in 1238. It lost its independence after being invaded in 1349 by neighboring Ayutthaya, the 2nd Thai kingdom. The preserved ruins of the kingdom’s capital are a designated a World Heritage Site outside modern Sukhothai, a fascinating historical location. Its ruler Ram Khamhaeng the Great (1279–1298), introduced Theravada Buddhism, early Thai script and established relations with Yuan China from which Thailand gained techniques for the later production and export of Thai ceramics such as Sawankhalok (Sangkhalok in Thai) ware. Sukhothai was later a tributary state and then annexed by Ayutthaya 1438, and its nobility continued its influence with the Ayutthaya monarchy for a very long time after its kingdom fell.
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This rare 13-14th century Sukhothai ring-shaped bronze bangle has a unique design. While many Sukhothai were undecorated, this one is has three raised knobs dividing it into thirds, articulated ends and, rather than being a complete circle, it has a small opening.
This finely designed 14/15th century globular stoneware box resting on a short foot has an olive-brown glazed lotus bud handle surrounded by radiating radiating lightly glazed petals above a band of geometric shapes. The body is lyrically ornamented with an intricate scroll of white, light glazed and incised colored branches and florals on an olive-brown glaze background. Its fine appearance is a result of the unusual lovely olive-brown surface with a glaze applied sparsely in some areas and thicker in others to offset the vegetal scrolls.
This gazed stoneware lidded bowl rests on a solid well-cut foot and has a close-fitting cover. The lid’s center has a lotus bud handle with a surrounding linear medallion on the top. Alternating panels have underglaze brown crosshatching and vegetal scrolls beginning on the lid, continuing below to the body and each pane separated by a series of vertical and circular lines.
This stoneware Sawankhalok lidded jar was made in the famous Sukhothai kilns in Thailand in the 14-15th century. The distinctive local Thai design is unique in the history of ceramic making as seen in this elegant mangosteen shape lidded jar with curved stem handle and a round raised calyx, and stylized incised floral and geometric designs. The lid has a circle of radiating leaf-like projections that protects a developing flower and represents a mangosteen, the delicious sweet tropical fruit loved throughout Southeast Asia. This is truly a remarkable example of the power and grace of antique Thai ceramics. A similar piece can be seen in the renowned Powerhouse Digital Archive Collection.
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