15th Century and Earlier Centerpieces

Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam shell The shell is in very good condition and with a beautiful pink tint.  

A celadon stemmed dish with underglaze deep blue decoration from Sukhothai (a former Kingdom in nowadays central Thailand) circa 14th-16th century. The pedestal dish was a typical ceramic output from Sawankhalok region, likely one of the kilns in Sri Sachanalai that thrived during 14th-15th century. Sukhothai ceramics made a large portion of export from Asia during that period due to the political policy in Ming Dynasty that banned the ocean faring (the so called Ming Gap). This stemmed dish, likely an export item, was modeled in a Classic Chinese form. The under-glaze deep blue decorations depicting the scrolling vines and flowers, as well as the archaic band around the base, are also reminiscent to the designs found in blue and white porcelain in Ming dynasty. The piece shows a fine crackles and age wear on the dish surface, an indication of appropriate patina. Under the reddish slip paint of the base, the gray paste can be discerned in small area, which is also a characteristic of the Thai celadon...