Antique 18th-Century Chinese Martaban Jar – Glazed Ceramic Storage Pot with Loop Handles | Maritime Trade Vessel
Collection
Timeless Storage: Antique Martaban Jar (China, 18th C.) - A piece of history.
Timeless Storage: Antique Martaban Jar (China, 18th C.) - A piece of history.
Chinese pot
Jar Decor
Martaban Jars

Price

£495

Materials

Clay

Period

Circa 18th Century

Place of origin

China

SKU

DP-GH-22-023

Dimensions

Width: 42 cmHeight: 57 cmDepth: 42 cmWeight: 8 kgs
Quantity:

Available Stock: 2

About the product

Antique 18th-Century Chinese Martaban Jar

Handcrafted Glazed Ceramic Storage Vessel with Sculptural Loop Handles
Historic Maritime Trade Relic from East Asia

Step into the legacy of ancient trade with this rare 18th-century Chinese Martaban jar—an authentic relic once used to store oils, grains, and spices aboard merchant ships traversing the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia. Crafted from high-fired ceramic and finished in a lustrous brown glaze, this vessel is as storied as it is sculptural.

Historic Utility, Timeless Beauty

Named after the port city of Martaban (in present-day Myanmar), these jars were prized for their robust structure and watertight seal. This piece features four stylised loop handles around the shoulder—once used for rope fastening aboard trading vessels. Its graceful form, with a softly flared lip and rounded body, is complemented by faint incised waves and timeworn glazing, making it both utilitarian and decorative.

Key Features

  • Period & Provenance: 18th century, Chinese origin, linked to historic maritime trade

  • Material: High-fired ceramic with natural brown glaze

  • Form: Bulbous silhouette with tapered base and flared rim

  • Handles: Four applied loop handles shaped as stylised guardian heads

  • Surface Detail: Engraved wave motifs and subtle variations in glaze tone

  • Patina: Rich ageing, with areas of mottling, wear, and kiln effects

Dimensions

  • Height: 57 cm

  • Width: 42 cm

  • Depth: 42 cm

  • Weight: Approx. 8 kg

Why Collectors Love It

  • A rare survivor of global sea trade and Asian ceramic heritage

  • Unique form with expressive character—ideal for display

  • Adds texture and provenance to wabi-sabi, minimal, or heritage interiors

  • Decorative value meets deep-rooted history

Styling Tip

Display as a floor-standing sculptural piece near entryways or courtyards. Pair with neutral tones, large planters, or antique wooden furniture for a refined, globally inspired interior story.

Exclusively available at Regen Bespoke
Storied. Sculptural. Steeped in Trade Legacy.