This stoneware bowl has rounded sides, an everted rim and a high foot. The exterior is covered in a rich dark chocolate brown glaze while the interior has a cream coloured glaze. Iron-oxide is a natural colourant that produces tones ranging from black to brown, depending upon the the amount of pigment used.Brown glazed wares started appearing in Vietnam during the 13th and 14th centuries. Although heavily influenced by the Chinese ceramic tradition, Vietnam materials and potting styles are unique. Technically not ‘porcelain’, which is translucent and pure white, these stonewares are different in appearance from Chinese and other Southeast Asian ceramics. Vietnamese wares are typically more heavily potted and have an off-white clay body. Vietnam entered the international trade during the 14th century and produced the greatest volume and variety of wares for Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. However, by the 16th century, due to intense competition from the Chinese kilns, the export of Vietnamese wares to these markets was greatly reduced.
