A KHMER STYLE DARK BROWN GLAZED STONEWARE JAR IN THE FORM OF A TORTOISE
Lot 148 - SING0925

Thailand, c. 15th-16th century. The globular body rising from a circular base to a narrow mouth with a gently everted rim. The exterior finely decorated with stylized turtle details, including an upright head marked by bulging eyes, pierced nostrils, and closed jaws, well-modeled limbs, and a short tail, all surrounded by incised circular motifs. The domed upper section of the vessel, delineated by a stepped ledge, embellished with finely incised interlacing geometric patterns. The vessel covered overall with an opaque dark brown glaze, stopping evenly short of the base, revealing the buff-colored ware beneath.

Provenance: Private collection of A. Hansen, Denmark. Mr. Hansen (b. 1955) is a retired Danish Supreme Court lawyer and lifelong collector with a deep passion for history and culture. His collecting journey began at the age of eight with stamps, encouraged by his father, and quickly developed into a serious pursuit. By 1982, his specialized collection of Greenland postal history earned international recognition. Following this success, Mr. Hansen turned his focus to fine art and antiquities, beginning with Danish art and later expanding into East and Southeast Asian artifacts after an inspiring Japanese exhibition in 1985. Over the following decades, his collection grew to include mostly ceramic artworks from Annam, Khmer, Burmese, and Thai origins, acquired through reputable collectors and auction houses.
Condition: Very good condition, commensurate with age, with wear and manufacturing irregularities, including firing cracks and glaze recess. Signs of weathering, erosion to glaze, and minor fritting to the base.

Weight: 802.9 g
Dimensions: Height 14.7 cm

Khmer potters made animal-shaped containers and lidded small jars to be used for holding lime paste, one of the ingredients in the betel quid. Made from areca nut and lime paste wrapped in a fresh betel leaf, the betel quid was chewed as a digestive and stimulant but also had an important role in hospitality and in social and religious rituals. Pottery containers for lime paste were made in graduated sizes, for use by individuals or larger groups, and glazed with both green and brown glazes.

Literature comparison:
Compare a related dark brown stoneware lime-paste jar in the form of a bird with a lid, Khmer Empire (present-day Cambodia or Northeast Thailand), Angkor period, dated 1177-1430, 5.9 cm high, in the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, accession number S1996.171a-b. Compare a related brown glazed earthenware owl-shaped jar, Khmer Empire (present-day Cambodia), Angkor period, dated 12th century, 10.8 cm high, in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, accession number 40.1981.a-b.