A BROWN-GLAZED STONEWARE LIME JAR IN THE FORM OF A CAPARISONED ELEPHANT, ANGKOR PERIOD

A BROWN-GLAZED STONEWARE LIME JAR IN THE FORM OF A CAPARISONED ELEPHANT, ANGKOR PERIOD Khmer Empire, 11th-12th century. The rotund shaped vessel supported on four stout feet and rising to a waisted neck with a flared rim, set with an elephant head and tail, and further carved to the body with a howdah issuing tassels, covered overall in a dark brown glaze stopping before the foot, revealing the body underneath. Provenance: The private collection of John Jessen Hansen, Denmark, acquired in 1982. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities including glaze recesses and pitting. Some flaking and a few tiny chips and nicks to the foot. Weight: 1,133.5 g Dimensions: Height 16.8 cm Toward the end of the 6th to early 7th century, Khmer potters instituted an important technique for mass production of ceramics when they began to use the wheel. Ceramics of this period were sometimes decorated with slip and paint, but this practice was abandoned after 800 when glazed stoneware first appeared. The first glazed ceramics made in Southeast Asia beyond the orbit of Chinese control were associated with the Khmer rulers Indravarman and Yasovarman, who reigned from the 880s to 940. During the 11th century, zoomorphic and humanoid shapes begin to appear, and the clay becomes finer, with a gray body. Other decorative techniques, such as moldings, incisions and carved patterns appear after 1100 on zoomorphic and humanoid vessels. Gourd-shaped jars and bottles also began to appear during this time, with brown glazes becoming predominant. This regally attired elephant resembles those used in Khmer royal processions. Such a ceramic container likely stored lime, an ingredient used in the preparation of betel, a stimulant popular throughout Southeast Asia. By the early 1000s, much of Thailand had been consolidated under Khmer rule (802–1437 CE). A highway linking the Khorat Plateau to Angkor increased regional trade and the distribution of distinctive chocolate-glazed ceramics in animal forms. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related Angkor period elephant shaped container, dated 12th–13th century, in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, reference number TG-2723. Compare a closely related lidded jar in the form of an elephant, 12th century, in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum, accession number 2004.28.222a-b. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 18 September 2003, lot 279 Price: USD 5,019 or approx. EUR 7,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Khmer brown-glazed rabbit-form lime pot, 11th-12th century Expert remark: Compare the related modelling and similar glaze. Note the size (13.7 cm).