Ancient Khmer Bronze Vase - 22 cm

Sendable only to Europe!

Betel ritual vase (or lime pot) in pear shape from the Khmer culture
Bayon period, 12th – 13th century
Bronze with dark patina
Height: 22 cm Diameter: 13 cm

Important ritual bronze vessel with a pear-shaped silhouette—balanced and stout—characteristic of the prestige metallurgy of the Bayon era.

The object consists of two distinct horizontal sections that fit perfectly at the midline of the bulge. The upper part elongates into a concave narrow neck, which gracefully widens to a corolla lip (or flared trumpet), highlighted by fine annular moldings at the base of the neck. The whole rests on a circular flaring pedestal with stepped mouldings.

This type of vase of substantial dimensions was mainly intended for storing ingredients needed for preparing betel quid (notably lime), or to contain oils and sacred waters during court ceremonies or Khmer Empire religious rituals. During the Bayon period, under the reign of Jayavarman VII, bronze objects destined for the aristocracy and Buddhist or Hindu clergy adopt purer, more robust shapes, favoring the purity of lines over decorative surplus.

Condition:
Good overall condition. The object shows a deep excavation patina, a dark brown tone with black reflections, speckled with green oxidation concretions and natural earthy deposits that highlight its age and authenticity. The overall structure is intact, the joining seams are well preserved despite a crack on the belly.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021

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