Sawankhalok Celadon Figure of An Elephant with Two Riders - Ex Museum Collection - Stoneware - Thailand - Sukhothai - 14th-15th Century

A Very Rare Sawankhalok Celadon Figure of An Elephant with Two Riders
14th-15th Century AD
Sukhothai, Thailand
H18.5×W17×D6 cm


This Sawankhalok celadon figurine, crafted during the 14th-15th century Sukhothai period, depicts a hand-molded elephant with two seated riders and a bowl-shaped vessel on its back. The elephant, a revered symbol of strength, wisdom, and royalty in Thai culture, holds deep spiritual and ceremonial significance. Its form is carefully sculpted, showcasing lifelike details in the body and facial features. The two riders, gracefully seated and serene in expression, may represent attendants, deities, or ritual participants, while the bowl-shaped vessel suggests ceremonial or functional use, such as holding offerings or water for religious purposes.

The figurine is coated in a natural celadon glaze, characteristic of the Sawankhalok kilns, with its soft green hue and delicate crackle patterns that emerged during reduction firing. This combination of artistry and craftsmanship reflects the technical expertise and cultural sophistication of the Sukhothai era. As a fine example of early Southeast Asian ceramics, this piece embodies the spiritual, artistic, and cultural essence of the period, making it a significant and historically valuable artifact.

Provenance:
Collection of the Portland Art Museum, Portland, accession no. ST1997.14.20, IND 4102

Two tags are attached to this lot from the Portland Museum of Art marked with descriptions and accession numbers. Documentation from the Portland Museum of Art containing records of the original collection, exhibitions, etc., will be provided with a copy of the photographs to your e-mail address.

Exhibition:
The Far East Asia Ancient Art Exhibition, February 3rd - 22th, 1966, Meier & Frank's auditorium, Portland.

Condition:
The celadon glaze has naturally aged, displaying stable crackle patterns consistent with its historical period. The lower part of the elephant's trunk is missing, with visible repair marks in the middle section. Both ears show partial loss. The bowl-shaped vessel exhibits several chips along the rim. The rear rider's hands are missing, and both riders' heads bear signs of cutting and subsequent restoration, suggesting prior damage that was carefully repaired to preserve the integrity of the piece.


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