Large black-glazed stoneware storage jar from Southeast Asia

Large stoneware storage jar with a thick brown-black glaze, deeply nuanced with caramel reflections.

• Striated surface, animated approximately halfway up by an incised band, treated tone-on-tone.
• Dimensions:

Height 74 cm

Outer neck 43 cm – Inner neck 35 cm

Maximum width (visible): 63 cm

Black-glazed stoneware storage jar – Southeast Asia

Large black-glazed stoneware storage jar, Southeast Asia, late 19th – early 20th century. This type of container belongs to the family of large stoneware jars, widely represented in public collections, where they are identified as vessels intended for food preservation.

The thick stoneware construction, combined with a dense glaze, provides these jars with excellent impermeability and high mechanical resistance. Distributed notably via maritime routes, they are among the large storage containers used regionally, particularly for water, grains, or food preparations.

The presented example is distinguished by a narrower neck than open forms, suggesting a specific use, likely related to rice storage, requiring better protection against humidity and pests.

Its surface exhibits irregularities characteristic of ancient artisanal productions, with variations in material and glaze visible depending on the light, testifying to non-industrialized manufacturing.

We also offer other stoneware jars from Southeast Asia, all from the former Claude de Marteau collection.

Examples of celadon jars from the Claude de Marteau collection.