SAKE CUP, Brown-glazed, Khmer Dynasty, Middle Ages（12th–16th centuries）

This piece is a small brown-glazed ceramic vessel, crafted during the later period of the Khmer Empire (approximately 12th to 16th centuries) in northeastern Thailand or around Angkor. Formed with a thick body of coarse sandstone clay, it is adorned with a rich brown glaze. The interior surface of the cup exhibits subtle variations due to the flow of ash and glaze during firing, with dark brown speckles bleeding into the body. The base bears thick remnants of adhesion from kiln tools used during the firing process.

The rim is slightly flared, characteristic of a cup shape. Its dimensions allow it to fit comfortably in the palm, suggesting that it served not only as a drinking vessel but also held ceremonial significance or was intended as a funerary object. Among Khmer brown-glazed ceramics, such small cups are relatively rare, evoking the atmosphere of feasts and rituals of the time.