| Abstract: |
Southeast Asian ceramic traditions are major components of Southeast Asian art. Since Southeast Asia became a region with clear political boundaries after World War II, these traditions have been researched either through national perspectives or as part of the analytical unit Southeast Asian ceramics. Scholars thereby contributed to constructing ceramic traditions in different parts of the region in order to create a clear cultural identity and autonomous history in contrast with the over-emphasis on Chinese influence in the development of the local ceramic industries. Several books and exhibition catalogues entitled Southeast Asian Ceramics were published, clearly demonstrating that local ceramics in the region should be considered as an independent research unit. This article is an attempt to provide an overview of the publications, starting from the 1960s, on Southeast Asian ceramics by ceramic societies, heritage institutions, and researchers in Southeast Asia. Obviously, it cannot be a holistic guide since many important works of a much wider range of pioneer scholars and institutions published outside the region (for example, Bulletin of École Française dExtrême Orient, Trade Ceramic Studies and Arts of Asia) or articles written in local languages by researchers in the region need to be included and acknowledged. However, a brief review of the publications may help to illuminate how the ceramic societies and related institutions in the region have been raising awareness in, and enhancing the standard of, this field of study. The timeframe for this brief overview begins in the 1960s, a period when most of the Southeast Asian ceramic societies were established.
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