SMALL JAR, Sawankhalok Ware, Middle Ages (12th–16th centuries)

Pottery produced at the ancient kiln site of Sawankhalok in Thailand from the 14th century onward was imported to Japan during the Momoyama period through the early Edo period, where it became known as Song Hu Lu and Sun Ko Roku. It is said that tea practitioners of the time cherished these wares as tea utensils. Sun Ko Roku pieces often emulate the celadon and blue-and-white porcelain of the Song and Yuan dynasties, particularly from the Longquan kiln, and were primarily crafted with a semi-porcelain body adorned with ash-glazed celadon, iron underglaze, and white slip. This exquisite small jar features a captivating iron-glazed mottled pattern. Remnants of the original soil from its excavation remain inside, preserved in their natural state.