Large Hexagonal Martaban Jar

• Antique hexagonal Martaban jar, decorated with dragons, bamboo and phoenix. Southeast Asia, 19/20th century.
• Martaban jars were used for storing and transporting commodities such as water, grain, spices, and sometimes even fermented foods or medicines. They were prized for their sturdiness and watertightness, and were widely exported throughout Southeast Asia, particularly from Burma.
• It features the fine surface irregularities typical of old crafts, with facets that are not always flat (see photos).
• A comparable example is on display at Singapore’s Peranakan Museum (formerly the Asian Civilization Museum).
• Good condition, no cracks or accidents. On the neck, an overglaze casting.
• Provenance: Estate Claude de Marteau
• Sold with certificate of origin.
• H 76 cm Diameter 55 cm
• Neck diameter: 55 cm

The Peranakans, descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Southeast Asia, notably Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, also used these Martaban jars in their daily lives. Imported via maritime trade routes, these jars were prized for their utility and durability. They were often incorporated into their homes to store provisions, testifying to the region’s cultural and commercial interconnectedness.