Elephant shaped jar, 11th century-12th century ::

Details

Place where the work was made: Cambodia
Cultural origin: Khmer
Period: Angkor period 802 - 1431 → Cambodia
Date: 11th century-12th century
Media category: Ceramic
Materials used: stoneware with dark brown glaze to lower body, legs unglazed
Dimensions: 21.0 cm
Signature & date: Not signed. Not dated.
Credit: Purchased 1981
Location: South Building, lower level 1, Asian Lantern galleries
Accession number: 156.1981
Copyright: Reproduction requests
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About

This inspired and original interpretation of a globular-shaped pot bears the instantly recognisable features of an elephant. Revered by the Khmer people in their daily lives, the animal also appears in much Buddhist and Hindu iconography. This particular example is a stunning marriage of ornamental impulse and practical need. Ceramics such as this were neither ceremonial vessels nor ritual objects, but articles of daily use. Because they were not made for export they remained free of outside influences, retaining their highly distinctive Khmer character. Made from a light buff-coloured low-fired stoneware, and covered with a brittle brown glaze that is prone to flaking, such wares are the hallmark products of the Khmer ceramic tradition.

Art Gallery Handbook, 1999. pg. 298.

Places

Where the work was made

Cambodia

Exhibition history

Shown in 2 exhibitions

Conversations through the Asian collections, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 25 Oct 2014–13 Mar 2016
Elemental, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 30 Jul 2022–2024

Bibliography

Referenced in 7 publications

Bruce James, Art Gallery of New South Wales handbook, 'Asian Collection: South-East Asia', pg. 298-301, Sydney, 1999, 298 (colour illus.).
Jackie Menzies, AGNSW Collections, 'Asian Art - India, South-East Asia, China, Tibet, Korea, Japan', pg. 173-228, Sydney, 1994, 180 (colour illus.).
Jackie Menzies and Edmund Capon AM, OBE, Asian Collection Handbook, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 'South-East Asian Art', pg. 83-96, Sydney, 1990, 90 (illus.).
Jackie Menzies (Editor), The Asian Collections Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 2003, 317 (colour illus.).
Jackie Menzies, Three years on: a selection of acquisitions 1978-1981, 'Asian Art', pg. 85-103, Sydney, 1981, 93 (illus.). cat.no. 13
Jacqueline Menzies, Art Gallery of New South Wales handbook, 'Asian', pg. 72-93, Sydney, 1988, 92 (illus.).
Editor Unknown, Oriental art [vol 27, no 1], Surrey, Spring 1981, (illus.). Bluett advertisement featuring this work.

Provenance

Bluett & Sons Ltd, pre 1981, London/England, purchased by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, July 1981.