Thai Sawankhalok Brown-Glazed Stoneware Bottle

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

An absolutely gorgeous stoneware bottle featuring a globular body and a corseted neck that swells outward before tapering inward to a circular, lipped rim. The vessel rests on a ring-form foot, its shoulder adorned with two tubular loop handles. A lustrous iron glaze, varying in tone from golden caramel to deep mocha, envelops the exterior, leaving only the base and foot unglazed. Fine incised parallel striations encircle the rim, shoulder, and body, adding a subtle decorative rhythm to its elegant form.

Sawankhalok (Si Satchanalai) ceramic wares—also known as Sangkhalok—represent one of the most refined ceramic traditions of ancient Thailand, originating from the Sukhothai Kingdom period (1238–1438). The royal cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai in north-central Thailand formed the heart of one of Southeast Asia’s largest ceramic-producing centers during the 14th century. While Sukhothai is known for its coarser, iron-flecked clay, Sawankhalok wares stand out for their superior craftsmanship, elegant proportions, and rich glazes.

Produced at the Ban Ko Noi kilns, these wares were widely exported throughout Asia—to Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and the Middle East. Their trade flourished particularly during the Ming export ban (1371–1509), when Chinese restrictions opened new opportunities for Thai and Vietnamese ceramics.

A magnificent example of Ayutthaya-period artistry, this vessel epitomizes the technical mastery and enduring aesthetic appeal of the Sawankhalok kilns.

Excellent condition. Light surface wear consistent with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 13,0cm x 12,5cm x 12,5cm. 

Provenance: British private collection 

For a similar example see:

Bottle with two vertical ring handles, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian, Accession Number: F1994.24 (https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/collections/search/edanmdm:fsg_F1994.24/)

Ring Handled Bottle, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, Accession Number: 76.72.22 (https://collections.artsmia.org/art/2346/ring-handled-bottle-thailand)

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.