Thai Sawankhalok Covered Box

Sukhothai Kingdom or Ayutthaya Period, c. 1300–1400 AD, Sukhothai Province, Si Satchanalai, Ban Pa Yang kilns, Thailand

A finely potted, wheel-thrown and hand-painted stoneware box with a fitted domed lid, beautifully finished in a translucent pale-green celadon glaze. The surface is delicately decorated with concentric circles and alternating panels of cross-hatching and vegetal scrolls, painted in underglaze iron-brown and separated by finely raised dividing lines.

The royal cities of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai in north-central Thailand formed one of the most important ceramic-producing centres in Southeast Asia during the 14th century. Si Satchanalai—later known as Sawankhalok—became synonymous with high-quality wares from either region. Small covered boxes such as this were a staple product of the Ban Pa Yang kilns and were widely exported along international maritime trade routes.

This example was found in Thailand, though similar pieces were treasured in Japan, where they served as incense boxes, holding perfumed pellets for tea ceremonies. The enduring refinement of Sawankhalok ceramics, with their luminous glazes and intricate motifs, stands as a testament to the artistic excellence and far-reaching cultural influence of 14th-century Thai craftsmanship.

Excellent condition. Small chips in the rim, otherwise intact. Wear commensurate with age and use. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Kiln grits. Beautiful patina. Size approx. 11,3cm x 11,3cm x 8,6cm. 

Provenance: British private collection 

For a similar examples see:

Covered box, Asian Civilisations Museum, Accession Number: 2019-00667 (https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1457659)

Thai Sawankhalok Ware Box, Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Accession Number: 2012.016.003 a,b (https://aggv.ca/emuseum/objects/1278/thai-sawankhalok-ware-box;jsessionid=B7B1D08F03AC5034CB532116BAD8B441)

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.