Box Item Number: 2686/5 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Lidded box with hollow foot ring. Bottom part has sides that curve inward to rim, where sides reach vertical. Lid has a central, bud-shaped knob with two raised concentric rings around it. Both parts are decorated with bands of alternating panels of crosshatching and scrolling plant designs in dark grey. Overall outer surface is a medium grey with some bluish and brownish areas. Interior of bottom part is glazed a blue-green.

History Of Use

Thousands of this kind of box were made at the ceramic centre of Sawankhalok, north of the city of Sukhothai, Thailand. This centre flourished for about two hundred years, and the ceramics imported there were part of a thriving export trade to Indonesia, the Philippines and the Middle East. It is thought the original kilns at Sawankhalok were set up by Chinese potters.

Specific Techniques

Decorations are done in iron underglaze.