Price: $1,200
Age: 1400s
Size: H 6″ x W 9.7″
Fritting and glaze loss to rim
This 15th-century Burmese Martaban jar stands out with its stout form and robust presence. The jar is adorned in a rich, deep brown bordering on black under certain light conditions. Four sturdy lug straps are symmetrically positioned on the neck. This sizable and practical piece exudes historical craftsmanship.
The Burmese Martaban Jar, also known as a Martavan jar, is a type of large ceramic storage jar that was produced in Burma, specifically in the areas of Martaban and Twante, during the 14-1600s. These jars were highly valued for their durability and were used for storing and transporting a variety of goods, including foodstuffs, water, and other commodities, across long distances.
The production and use of Martaban jars were influenced by several historical and cultural factors. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Chinese government imposed maritime bans on trade ceramics, which led to a decrease in Chinese ceramics and an increase in the import of Burmese coarse wares, including Martaban jars. The Ming Ban period, in particular, saw a significant increase in the import of Burmese ceramics, as well as the emergence of Japanese and Vietnamese fine wares that mimicked Chinese styles.
In addition to their practical uses, Martaban jars also held cultural significance in Southeast Asian societies. In Indonesia, for example, jars were considered “magic” and played a rich and important role in traditional communities. The Princessehof Museum in the Netherlands has an important collection of Chinese and Southeast Asian jars, including Martaban jars, which are not only of interest to ceramic historians but also to cultural anthropologists.
The study of Martaban jars and other ceramic artifacts can provide valuable insights into the history of Chinese maritime trade, the development of ceramic production centers, and the cultural exchanges between different societies. The recent discovery and exhibition of salvaged ceramics from two Melaka coastline dig sites, including Martaban jar shards, offer a glimpse into the ancient past of Melaka and the broader region.
