FORME Antiquities

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Woman Holding Her Hair)

Located in Brescia, Brescia

The sculpture captures a moment of serene grace, as the woman delicately holds her hair with her right hand, exuding an air of elegance rarely found in similar works. What makes this piece particularly unique is its unusual coloration: unlike most terracotta figures, which typically exhibit reddish-brown tones, this figure has darkened over time to a striking grey-black-brown hue. This transformation occurred due to centuries of submersion in the mud of the Brantas River, where the natural elements enriched the statue with its distinct coloration (refer to the photos of discoveries during the extraction of other statues, as seen on pages 16-17 of the catalog). Originating from the Trowulan region in East Java, this handmaiden figure is documented on page 161 as figure number 28 in the Majapahit catalog and stands as a rare example of terracotta craftsmanship from this ancient civilization. The piece has been carefully studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a distinguished scholar in Indonesian archaeology. Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field. This extraordinary figure is accompanied by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, who offers invaluable insights into the significance of Majapahit terracotta...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Javanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Woman Holding Her Hair)

$6,822 Sale Price

20% Off

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Fertile Woman with Child)

Located in Brescia, Brescia

Immerse yourself in the captivating legacy of the Majapahit Empire with this rare and beautifully preserved 15th-century terracotta handmaiden figure. Depicting a fertile woman tenderly holding her child, this evocative sculpture symbolizes the deep-rooted cultural values of fertility, family, and domestic protection that were integral to Majapahit society. These figures were often kept in households as guardians of the hearth, believed to bring prosperity and ensure the well-being of the family. This statue radiates a sense of ancient spirituality and reverence. Its connection to both the sacred and the everyday life of Majapahit culture makes it a fascinating piece for collectors and historians alike. Hailing from the esteemed Trowulan region in East Java, this rare piece has journeyed through centuries before finding its place in the private collection of Anacleto Spazzapan. Documented in the Majapahit catalog on page 144 as figure number 11, it has been meticulously studied and authenticated by Professor Agus Aris Munandar, a prominent authority in Indonesian archaeology. Professor Munandar, born in 1959, is currently the professor of Indonesian Archaeology at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta. His extensive research focuses on Hindu-Buddhist archaeology, iconography, and the ancient history of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He served as a member of the Indonesian team of experts at National Cultural Heritage from 2015 to 2018 and previously held the role of Head of Institute and Research at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Indonesia. Now the head of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Indonesia, Professor Munandar has authored numerous articles and 19 books, many of which delve into Majapahit culture and artifacts, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in the field. Professor Munandar's endorsement, complemented by a preface from Professor Massimo Vidale of the University of Padua, offers invaluable insights into the religious and decorative significance of Majapahit terracotta...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Javanese Folk Art Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

15th Century Majapahit Terracotta Handmaiden Figure (Fertile Woman with Child)

$7,590 Sale Price

20% Off

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Rare annamese cream glazed ewer, Vietnam, 11-15th century

$3,500

H 7.88 in Dm 3.15 in

15th Century, Ava, Antique Burmese Pottery Standing Buddha

Located in Sampantawong, TH

Burmese pottery standing Buddha. Age: Burma, Ava Period, 15th Century Size: Height 13.4 C.M. / Width 6.2 C.M. / Length 10.7 C.M. Condition: Nice c...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Burmese Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

15th Century, Ava, Antique Burmese Pottery Standing Buddha

$480 Sale Price

20% Off

H 5.28 in W 4.22 in D 2.45 in

Annamese blue and white bowl, circa 15th century.

Located in seoul, KR

The bowl's design features fluid, dynamic brushstrokes typical of Annamese pottery, where cobalt blue underglaze was used to create intricate patterns before a clear glaze was applied. The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam, Vietnam Type : Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Diameter : 17cm Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Annamese blue and white bowl, circa 15th century.

$1,500

H 3.75 in Dm 6.11 in

Annamese stoneware with underglaze blue, Hoi An hoard, late 15th century

Located in seoul, KR

At the center, within a shield-shaped frame, a delicate plant motif with slender stems and leaves is depicted, symbolizing the vitality of nature through simple lines. The shield-shaped frame harmonizes with the vase's curves, emphasizing the plant design. The neck features elongated leaf patterns, while soft cloud motifs are gracefully arranged along the body, following the vase’s natural flow. At the base, repetitive geometric patterns provide a sense of stability. This vase beautifully captures classical and serene beauty through the balance of natural harmony and meticulous craftsmanship. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam, Vietnam Type : Yuhuchun Vase Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : 1) Art Gallery of Greater Victoria - A vase from the wreck of the Hoi An 2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Annamese stoneware with underglaze blue, Hoi An hoard, late 15th century

$2,490

H 8.86 in Dm 2.56 in

An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century

Located in seoul, KR

At the center of the vase, a bird is depicted with clean yet detailed lines, capturing the moment mid-flight with a sense of dynamic energy. The artist skillfully conveys the bird’s vitality with minimal strokes, creating the impression that it could soar into the sky at any moment. Though there are no explicit branches or leaves, the flowing curves of the background subtly connect the bird with the natural world. The simplicity of the lines creates a harmonious relationship between the bird and its environment, reflecting the artist’s ability to evoke nature without relying on intricate details. The neck of the vase is adorned with elegant plant motifs, where stems and leaves stretch upward, complementing the overall shape of the vase. These motifs, while simple, add sophistication and enhance the vase’s graceful form. At the base, repeating geometric patterns contribute to the sense of balance and stability. These patterns not only ground the piece but also serve as decorative elements, completing the vase’s aesthetic unity. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam, Vietnam Type : Yuhuchun Vase Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : 1) Seattle Art Museum - Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2000.125. 2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 3) Asian art museum, San Francisco * Vietnamese trade ceramic...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century

$2,990

H 10.24 in Dm 5.52 in

Persian style Annamese stoneware, late 15th century

Located in seoul, KR

Stoneware decorated with Persian-style colors and patterns, and it is highly likely that this Annamese pottery intended for export was produced to meet Middle Eastern demand. Dates ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Persian style Annamese stoneware, late 15th century

$2,590

H 1.97 in Dm 7.09 in

Two Annamese Miniature Kettle, 15th century, Le Dynasty

Located in seoul, KR

These 15th-century Le Dynasty ceramic vessels from northern Vietnam feature distinct designs. One is beige with faint blue floral patterns, a rounded body, and an elongated spout. Th...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Two Annamese Miniature Kettle, 15th century, Le Dynasty

$1,390 / set

H 1.19 in Dm 3.15 in

Three Annamese Small Jars with bird design, 15th century, Le Dynasty

Located in seoul, KR

Vietnamese stoneware jar with representative bird designs. These pieces exhibit a relatively vivid and clear color compared to similar works from Hoi An hoard. The main feature of th...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Three Annamese Small Jars with bird design, 15th century, Le Dynasty

$2,590

H 2.17 in Dm 2.37 in

Vietnamese Blue And White Bowl Circa 15th Century

Located in seoul, KR

The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Bowl Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Vietnamese Blue And White Bowl Circa 15th Century

$1,390

H 3.94 in Dm 6.7 in

Rare Annamese Brown Dish Circa 15th Century, Le Dynasty

Located in seoul, KR

A rare brown colored stoneware dish with a central floral motif, likely a lotus, which is a recurrent symbol in Asian art representing purity and beauty. The design's fluidity and or...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Annamese Brown Dish Circa 15th Century, Le Dynasty

$4,500

H 2.96 in Dm 11.82 in

Two Annamese Vessels, Chu Dau Kilns, 15th–16th Century, Le Dynasty

Located in seoul, KR

These two blue-and-white water vessels, made at the Chu Dau kilns of 15th–16th century Vietnam, feature a single pouring spout and five functional lugs used for gripping or attaching...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Two Annamese Vessels, Chu Dau Kilns, 15th–16th Century, Le Dynasty

$1,890 / set

H 1.97 in Dm 3.15 in

Rare Annamese Stoneware Bowls with Brown-Green Glaze, Vietnam, 14th–15th Century

Located in seoul, KR

This finely matched pair of Annamese stoneware bowls exemplifies the refined ceramic artistry of Đại Việt (medieval Vietnam) during the 14th to 15th century. Each bowl is delicately ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Rare Annamese Stoneware Bowls with Brown-Green Glaze, Vietnam, 14th–15th Century

$2,280 / set

H 1.97 in Dm 6.11 in

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