Bowl, porcelain with crackled green glaze, found in Sarawak, made in China, Qing dynasty

Bowl of porcelain, circular, with shallow sides curving outwards at the rim; covered with a crackled glaze of greenish tone. For Southeast Asian market.

Purchased from Mr. John Hewitt (13 Victoria Street, Dronfield, Sheffield), accessioned in 1909. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Found in Sarawak. Bought £15 18s. [C.231 to 236-199]
A comparison with a crackled celadon bowl, with formal floral relief design on the outside, in the British Museum, which was found on the site of the potteries at Sawankhalok, seems to show that this bowl as well as No. C.234-199 are of Siamese, not Chinese origin. The glaze and crackle are of similar character, and there is an exact correspondence in the finish of the base and foot-ring.

Li Jianan's opinion 10/11/2009

This bowl was made in Fujian, south China. It was then exported to Sarawak, and bought by the Museum in 1909. Its place of manufacture remained uncertain for a long time until similar pieces were excavated from kilns in Fujian.

C.236-1909