Bulbous Jar with Narrow Neck
Unknown Artist
15th–16th century
Medium
Earthenware with cream white glaze and iron-brown underglaze decoration
Dimensions
H. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture
Thailand (Si Satchanalai)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Gifts of friends of Jim Thompson, in his memory, 1989
Accession Number
1989.238.21
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Bulbous Jar with Narrow Neck*, crafted in 15th–16th Thailand at the renowned Si Satchanalains, exemplifies the sophistication of Southeast Asian ceramics during a golden age of production. Standing just 4 7/8 inches (12.4 cm) tall, its rounded body flares gently into a slender neck, perfect for storing spices, oils, or precious liquids in daily life or trade. Made of earthenware—a durable, locally sourced clay—the jar features a creamy white glaze that provides a smooth, luminous surface, overlaid with iron-brown underglaze decoration. This technique, where pigments are painted...