Thai Si Satchanalai Stoneware Elephant and Rider Figure

Sukhothai Kingdom or Ayutthaya Period, c.1550 AD, Sukhothai Province, Si Satchanalai, Pa Yang Kilns, Thailand

This delightful stoneware figure of an elephant and rider, enveloped in a lustrous, crackled celadon glaze, captures the charm and artistry of late Si Satchanalai ceramics. The elephant, with its robust body, straight legs, and coiled trunk, exudes power and presence, while its expressive face features flared ears, almond-shaped eyes, and pointed tusks. Atop the elephant’s back kneels an anthropomorphic figure, likely symbolizing a dignitary, deity, or revered individual.

The Si Satchanalai kilns, also known as Sawankhalok, were at the heart of ceramic production during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238–1438) and later into the Ayutthaya period. This particular piece hails from the Pa Yang kilns, renowned for their intricate figurative works produced during the mid-16th century. The celadon glaze, referred to as Kai Ka, showcases a soft green hue created by the reduction firing technique, a method introduced to Thailand from China in the early 14th century. While the clay body reveals black, red, or silvery inclusions typical of Sukhothai ceramics—evidence of the region's high iron content—this figure’s sophisticated modeling and graceful proportions highlight the skill of Si Satchanalai artisans. These artisans were adept at producing functional wares and decorative pieces, including animal and anthropomorphic figurines, which were often exported across Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Middle East during the 14th–16th centuries.

This figure not only reflects the artistic ingenuity of the time but also hints at the cultural and symbolic significance of the elephant in Thai tradition, often representing strength, wisdom, and royal power. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and global influence of Sawankhalok ceramics.

Good condition. Age-related heavy wear. Chip and abrasion. Repaired. Glazing defects and firing flaws. Beautiful patina. Size approx. 8,5cm x 10,0cm x 4,8cm.

Provenance: Swedish private collection

For a similar example see:

Figure of a Mahout astride an Elephant, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Accession number: 1967-162-68 (https://philamuseum.org/collection/object/62676)

Miniature elephant, Asian Civilisations Museum, Roots, National Heritage Board, Accession number: 2009-03503. (https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1238157)

References and further reading:

Thai Ceramic Art - The Three Religions, J.D. van Oenen & N. Guerin, Sun Tree Publishing, 2005, p. 262.

Ceramics of Seduction, Glazed Wares from Southeast Asia, Dawn Rooney, River Books Press Dist A C, 2013.

The Ceramic Wares of Siam, Charles Nelson Spinks, Bangkok Siam Society, 1978, pp. 86-88.

The ceramics of southeast Asia: Their 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.