A BROWN GLAZED STONEWAR MARTABAN JAR, SOUTHEAST ASIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

A BROWN GLAZED STONEWAR MARTABAN JAR, SOUTHEAST ASIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY Of ovoid form with a flush, flat bottom, the short neck with a thick lip, carved to the body with four foliate panels depicting landscapes alternated with a bird and horse, covered in a mottled black-brown glaze stopping irregularly before the foot. Provenance: From the collection of Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt, and thence by descent to the present owner. Theodor “Teddy” Hahn was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking “I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been.” Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and firing irregularities including glaze recesses, burst bubbles, firing cracks, and pits. Small losses, tiny nicks, and light scratches. Weight: 10.5 kg Dimensions: Height 37 cm Martaban jars are common stoneware storage pots named after the Arabic pronunciation of the Burmese port on the gulf of Pegu through which many of these vessels were traded. During the Ming dynasty, this busy port was under the jurisdiction of Thailand. From here Thai, Chinese, Burmese, and Cambodian goods were shipped throughout southeast Asia. These large jars were made near port towns for shipping convenience in the southern Chinese coastal provinces of Kwangtung, Fukien, and Chekiang. Covered with black, brown, or amber glaze, Martaban jars will typically display roughly incised decorations of dragons, clouds, pearls, or waves. These vessels were originally used as storage jars for provisions such as oil, wine, fruits, and pickles as well as shipping containers for more delicate and expensive ceramics. Literature comparison: Compare a related brown glazed stoneware jar, dated 1700-1899, in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number 1709-1876.