SMALL CUP, Brown-glazed, Mitate（sake cup）, Khmer Dynasty, Middle Ages（12th–16th centuries）

A small brown-glazed cup from the Khmer dynasty.

A low, open, bowl-shaped vessel whose exterior reveals a dark brown-tinged clay surface, while the interior shows traces of a greenish glaze. Though the glaze has largely flaked away over time, the remaining areas of color lend a quiet visual accent to the rustic texture of the clay.

Khmer ceramics often employ an iron-rich clay body covered with brown or green glazes. This small cup belongs to that tradition; rather than appearing as a neatly finished vessel, it bears the weathered character of an antique—its clay and glaze seeming to have aged gradually over a long span of time.

Though modest in size, the interior displays overlapping areas of glaze loss and residual glaze, while the exterior retains wheel marks and a rough texture. It has no prominent decoration, yet when held in the palm one senses the weight of the densely fired clay and the uncontrived, generous air characteristic of ancient Southeast Asian pottery.

When regarded as a sake cup, its proportions are precisely suited to holding a small pour. Paired with a Joseon sake flask or other antique ceramics, the contrasting qualities of the clays form a pleasing counterpoint.

As an old object, it shows overall glaze loss, surface wear, exposed clay, and minor roughness at the rim. No significant restorations are apparent, and its condition can be appreciated as the characteristic appearance of an antique ceramic.