Spittoon - Bronze - Spittoon

Shipment only within Europe!

Betel spittoon with a wide flared lip
Khmer Empire
Bayon Period, 12th – 13th century
Bronze with a dark olive patina
Height: 9 cm Lip diameter: 13 cm

Miniature cast bronze vessel characterized by its compact proportions and vigorous silhouette, typical of prestige furnishings of the Lopburi/Bayon period.

The object presents a globular or bulbous body that is strongly flattened, marked on the shoulder and at the base by sequences of double parallel annular incisions, neat and regular. The transition to the neck is marked by a pronounced concave constriction that opens spectacularly onto a very wide flared lip in a funnel (or corolla) shape, ending with a fine, sharp edge. The base is flat, equipped with a slight circular talon ensuring perfect stability.

This vessel of a specific form is traditionally identified as an element of the betel parcel, serving as a spittoon during chewing of the quid, or as an offering vessel for ceremonial ingredients. In medieval Khmer culture, the betel ritual accompanied all major acts of social, diplomatic, and religious life.

State of conservation:
Excellent archaeological condition. The bronze structure is perfectly sound but with some deformation at the lips. The object has developed a magnificent surface patina (bronze skin) with brown-olive and golden tones in places, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate concretions (malachite) located in several spots. The original turning or casting marks remain remarkably legible.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021

Shipped with UPS and insurance