Thai Sawankhalok Brown-Glazed Stoneware Bottle

Ayutthaya Kingdom Period, c. 1300–1500 AD, Ban Ko Noi Kilns, Sawankhalok, Thailand

A magnificent stoneware bottle of ovoid form, featuring an angular shoulder, cup-shaped mouth, splayed foot, and recessed unglazed base. Two decorative loop handles adorn the shoulder, while delicate incised bands encircle the upper body. A light caramel-brown glaze covers the upper portion of the vessel, leaving the interior, base, and foot unglazed—a hallmark of Sawankhalok craftsmanship.

Sawankhalok (Si Satchanalai) wares, also known as Sangkhalok, represent a celebrated ceramic tradition that developed during the Sukhothai Kingdom period (1238–1438). The royal cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai in north-central Thailand formed one of Southeast Asia’s largest ceramic production centers during the 14th century. Sukhothai wares are recognized for their coarser, iron-rich clay—often displaying small black, brown, red, or silvery specks—while Sawankhalok ceramics are admired for their refined forms and controlled glazes.

From the hundreds of kilns lining the Yom River, these wares were exported in vast quantities across Asia, reaching Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and the Middle East. Their trade expanded significantly during the Ming export ban (1371–1509), when restrictions on Chinese ceramics opened new international markets for Thai and Vietnamese potters.

An elegant example of Ayutthaya-period artistry, this vessel reflects the technical mastery and far-reaching influence of the Sawankhalok kilns.

Excellent condition. Intact. Light surface wear consistent with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 11,3cm x 6,8cm x 6,6cm. 

Provenance: Swedish private collection.

For a similar examples see:

Bottle with two vertical ring handles, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, Accession Number: S2005.258 (https://asia-archive.si.edu/object/S2005.258/)

Jarlet, Asian Civilisations Museum, National Heritage Board, Accession Number: 2001-00046 (https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1038949)

References and further reading:

Thai ceramics, National Museums Scotland.

The ceramics of southeast Asia: Thei dating and identification (2nd ed.), R.M. Brown, Singapore, Singapore: Oxford Univesity Press, 1988.

Last shipments from the Thai Sawankhalok Kilns, R.M. Brown, Art from Thailand, pp. 93-103. Mumbai, Marg Publications, 1999.

A Field Guide to Glazed Thai Ceramics, Dawn F. Rooney, Asian Perspectives, Vol 28. No 2, pp. 125-144, University of Hawai'i Press, 1988-89.