Thai Sawankhalok Brown-Glazed Stoneware Vase

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

A fabulous small stoneware vase of plump, rounded form with an upright short neck and ring-shaped foot. The upper body is subtly ornamented with delicate incised bands, while a lustrous dark mocha-brown iron glaze envelops the exterior, showcasing the refined aesthetic of Sawankhalok craftsmanship.

Sawankhalok (Si Satchanalai) wares, also known as Sangkhalok, are traditional Thai ceramics originating from the Sukhothai Kingdom period (1238–1438). The royal cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai in north-central Thailand became one of the largest ceramic-producing centers in Southeast Asia during the 14th century. Sukhothai pieces are known for their coarser, iron-flecked clay, while Sawankhalok wares display finer craftsmanship and richly controlled glazes.

Produced at the Ban Ko Noi kilns, vessels like this were widely exported throughout Asia, reaching Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and the Middle East. Exports flourished particularly during the Ming export ban (1371–1509), when Chinese restrictions created opportunities for Thai and Vietnamese potters to dominate regional trade.

An elegant and historically significant example of Ayutthaya-period artistry, this vase embodies the technical mastery and enduring influence of the Sawankhalok kilns.

Good condition. Chip in the rim. Surface wear consistent with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Size approx. 4,4cm x 6,3cm x 6,3cm. 

Provenance: Swedish private collection 

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.