Sawankhalok Stoneware Figure - 35 mm

A rare and exquisite figure in ferruginous glaze from Sawankhalok representing six ducks
14th-15th century AD, region of
Sukhothai, Thailand
Dimensions: H 3.5 × L 5.8 × P 5.8 cm

It presents a lively representation of waterfowl gathered together. The composition is striking in its arrangement: one duck rises at the center, serving as a focal point, while five others surround it, their bodies leaning inward in a protective, almost reverent posture. This central and peripheral arrangement reflects both the natural social behavior of ducks and the artistic conventions of Southeast Asia regarding hierarchy and protection.
The ferruginous brown glaze, speckled with gold and dark patches, flows over the rounded forms, imitating the sheen of feathers and animating the surface with organic textures. The central duck is slightly higher, underscoring its dominance, while the other ducks are arranged in a staggered manner around the base, creating a rhythmic and harmonious circular movement. The group evokes a sense of unity, protection, and abundance, themes resonating with the broader symbolism of Thai folk beliefs and Buddhist culture.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, Sawankhalok kilns reached their peak, producing not only fine export-oriented ceramics but also small animal and human figurines. This intimate composition of six ducks could have served as a domestic talisman, a ritual object, or a votive offering, capturing the delicate balance between realism and stylization that characterizes Sukhothai period craftsmanship. Despite its modest size, the figure embodies the potters’ ingenuity in transforming natural creatures into ceramic forms charged with symbolic meaning, thus constituting a rare survivable example of medieval Thai ceramic art.

A similar example in the collection of the National Museum of Asian Art, Washington DC, accession number FSC-P-402.

Provenance:
Portland Art Museum, Portland, accession number ST1997.14.18, IND 3003 (25 $), acquired March 31, 1966.
Acquired from a well-known American auction house.

A tag is attached to this piece at the Portland Museum of Art, bearing descriptions and accession numbers. The Portland Museum of Art documentation, containing records of the original collection, exhibitions, etc., will be provided with a copy of the photographs to your email address.
Exhibition
Ancient East Asian Art Exhibition, from February 3 to 22, 1966, Meier & Frank Auditorium, Portland.
Condition:
One of the ducks is broken and missing. There is also a chip measuring about 1.5 × 0.8 cm at the base. Otherwise, the figure shows expected surface wear and small losses consistent with age and burial, notably an abrasion of the glaze and small firing imperfections, but no other significant deterioration or restoration is observed."