Antique Southeast Asian Brown-Glazed Stoneware Storage Jar

Antique Southeast Asian brown-glazed stoneware storage jar, likely Indonesian or from the broader Southeast Asian ceramic tradition.

This handsome hand-thrown vessel has a rounded ovoid body, short neck with a thick rolled rim, and distinctive applied decorative lugs around the shoulder. The upper portion is covered in a wonderfully varied brown-to-olive iron glaze, with mottling and surface variation created during firing, while the lower body remains largely unglazed.

The form relates to the long tradition of Martaban-type storage and trade jars that circulated throughout Southeast Asia. Such durable stoneware vessels were made in several ceramic-producing regions and traded extensively through Indonesia and the surrounding maritime world, where they were used for storing and transporting foodstuffs, liquids and other commodities.

Horizontal throwing lines, irregular glazing, firing variations and the exposed stoneware body give this jar the unmistakable character of a handmade utilitarian vessel. Today, these qualities make it particularly appealing as both an ethnographic ceramic and a sculptural decorative object.

The precise kiln of manufacture and age have not been established. Conservatively attributed to Southeast Asia, probably 18th–19th century or earlier.

Details

• Origin: Southeast Asia; Indonesian provenance/attribution
• Material: High-fired stoneware
• Finish: Brown/olive iron glaze with partially unglazed lower body
• Construction: Hand-thrown with applied shoulder lugs
• Period: Antique; probably 18th–19th century or possibly earlier
• Height: 8.5”
• Width: approximately 6.5” at widest point
• Base: approximately 4” diameter
• Condition: Good antique condition with expected glaze variation, surface wear, firing irregularities and signs of age. Please review photographs carefully.