This stoneware oval box is moulded with a crab that covers most of the lid, which is fused to the box. Originally the box was covered with brown glaze. Now only a faint green and amber glaze still decorate the container.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.Aquatic animals such as the crab, shrimp and frog are typical motifs that often appear on ceramic wares. The sixteenth century saw Vietnamese wares showing a taste for playful decorations. Typical of these of small vessels in the shape of dragons, elephants, phoenixes and other birds, fishes and crabs.
