BASIC INFORMATION Object Name: Small Celadon Tea Cup / Drinking Bowl Country of Origin: Thailand Production Tradition: Sukhothai ceramic tradition Historical Period: Sukhothai Kingdom Date: Circa 14th–15th Century AD Material: High-fired stoneware with celadon glaze A very attractive small Sukhothai-period celadon cup with a beautifully restrained form and an appealing pale green-grey glaze. The vessel has a rounded hemispherical body rising from a neatly formed circular foot. Its compact proportions and simple profile give it the quiet elegance characteristic of early Thai celadon wares. Despite its small size, this is a particularly pleasing and highly displayable example, with substantial surviving glaze over both the exterior and interior.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION The cup is wheel-thrown with a broad rounded body, gently inward-curving upper wall and relatively fine mouth. The interior retains a particularly attractive green-grey celadon glaze, slightly darker toward the center where the glaze has pooled during firing. The exterior glaze is lighter in appearance, ranging from pale green to creamy grey, with the subtle mottling and texture associated with traditionally fired celadon. The glaze has a naturally tactile, slightly granular appearance rather than a modern glass-like surface, giving the vessel considerable character. The lower body contracts sharply into a small raised foot approximately 31 mm in diameter. Portions of the foot and lower exterior remain unglazed, exposing the warm reddish-orange fired stoneware body beneath. The contrast between the cool celadon glaze and exposed orange-brown clay is particularly attractive.

DIMENSIONS Maximum Diameter: approximately 60 mm / 6 cm / 2.36 inches Height: approximately 40 mm / 4 cm / 1.57 inches Foot Diameter: approximately 31 mm / 3.1 cm / 1.22 inches Measurements are approximate.

CONDITION REPORT Good antique condition for a ceramic vessel of considerable age. The cup remains structurally intact with no major body breaks visible. There is noticeable old chipping around portions of the mouth rim, including several shallow losses which create an irregular profile along one side of the rim. There are also areas of glaze loss around the lower exterior and foot, exposing the reddish stoneware body beneath. The surviving celadon glaze remains extensive and particularly attractive, covering the majority of both the interior and exterior surfaces. Expected firing irregularities, glaze texture, minor surface wear, small dark inclusions and age-related deposits are present throughout. No restoration is apparent from the photographs supplied. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition report.

PROVENANCE & CONTEXT The Sukhothai Kingdom and its associated ceramic centers were among the most important producers of glazed stoneware in medieval Southeast Asia. During approximately the 14th and 15th centuries, Thai kilns produced large quantities of celadon-glazed vessels ranging from substantial storage jars and dishes to very small cups and bowls such as this example. Celadon glazing was achieved through iron-bearing glazes fired in a reducing kiln atmosphere, producing colors that could range from pale grey-green through olive and deeper jade-like tones. Small vessels of this form would have been suitable for drinking, serving condiments or other domestic use. Their modest size also makes them particularly appealing today as intimate examples of historic Thai ceramic production. This cup is especially attractive for the survival of its softly colored celadon glaze, the darker pooled interior, and the exposed orange stoneware around the foot. A charming and highly displayable example of medieval Thai pottery from the Sukhothai ceramic tradition.