This ovoid shaped jar is decorated at mid- section in a brown-black underglaze floral scroll motif enclosed in double bands.Iron-oxide was a natural colourant that produced tones ranging from black to brown, depending on the amount of pigment that was used. Iron-decorated wares are one of the earliest types of export wares to have been produced. However, it is thought underglaze brown and blue wares were probably made at the same time.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.
