Monumental Sasak Burnished Terracotta Bowl, Lombok – Hand-Incised Scrollwork, Late 20th Century

Details

Description

A large and beautifully executed burnished terracotta bowl from Lombok, attributed to Sasak artisans known for their refined surface work … Read more A large and beautifully executed burnished terracotta bowl from Lombok, attributed to Sasak artisans known for their refined surface work and traditional firing techniques.

The interior is densely incised with rhythmic foliate scrollwork, revealing a pale clay body beneath a warm, polished slip. The contrast between the carved pattern and the burnished ground creates a soft, almost luminous surface that shifts subtly in changing light. The decoration feels both highly controlled and organic, a hallmark of skilled handwork rather than mechanical repetition.

This piece sits comfortably at the intersection of utilitarian form and decorative object. Its scale gives it presence, while the restrained palette allows it to integrate easily into contemporary interiors—particularly strong in wabi-sabi, Mediterranean, or minimal organic settings.

Details

Origin: Lombok, Indonesia (Sasak tradition)
Date: Late 20th century
Construction: Hand-built with lathe refinement
Firing: Open wood fire
Surface: Burnished and polished (no glossy glaze)
Decoration: Incised through surface layer
Diameter: approx. 20 inches
Height: approx. 3.5 inches
Weight: approx. 9.4 lbs See less