Hand-Painted Vietnamese Studio Pottery Jar Featuring One Hào Currency Motif, Signed
This distinctive Vietnamese studio pottery jar is a hand-thrown and hand-painted piece featuring a highly detailed interpretation of a historical một hào (one hào) banknote, originally issued by the State Bank of Vietnam. The design wraps around the body of the jar and is executed in red and cobalt glazes over a warm buff stoneware clay. The central motif includes the star-emblazoned national emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, framed by the denomination "1" and the text "Ngân Hàng Quốc Gia Việt Nam" ("National Bank of Vietnam"), referencing mid-20th-century currency design.
Additional inscriptions include the phrase "Nước Việt Nam Dân Chủ Cộng Hòa" ("Democratic Republic of Vietnam), a slogan used in official state documents from the post-colonial period. The jar's form features a wide rolled lip, rounded belly, and four lug-style handles, suggestive of traditional Southeast Asian utility jars but adapted here for a decorative or conceptual function.
The base is possibly signed "Kiev" with a stylized incised signature beneath an iron oxide wash, suggesting the work of an individual artist or small studio. The jar is fully glazed on the interior and partially glazed on the exterior, with visible wheel-thrown striations and subtle irregularities characteristic of handmade ceramics.This piece may be interpreted as a commentary on nationalism, memory, or historical iconography, and would be of interest to collectors of political folk art, Southeast Asian ceramics, or mid-century currency-inspired design.Very good vintage condition with intentional surface variations and glaze pooling.No cracks or structural damage observed. Minor kiln marks consistent with studio production.
Vintage condition as pictured
Listing is for described items only.
Dimensions approximately: 7.5"D, 6"H
Box S12