Ancient Khmer Bronze Betel nut - cuspidor vase - 9 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 400 - € 450
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Description from the seller
Sent only to Europe!
Betel-spittoon with a broad flared lip
Khmer Empire
Bayon Period, 12th–13th century
Bronze with a dark olive patina
Height: 9 cm Lip diameter: 13 cm
A miniature vessel cast in bronze, characterized by compact proportions and a 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 parallel, double annular incisions, neat and regular. The transition to the neck is marked by a pronounced concave constriction that opens spectacularly onto a very broad flared lip in the shape of a funnel (or a petal), ending in a fine, sharp edge. The base is flat, with a slight circular foot ensuring perfect stability.
This vase of a specific form is traditionally identified as an element of the betel set, serving as a spittoon during the chewing of chique, 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.
Condition:
Superb 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 tones and golden areas, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate concretions (malachite) localized in several places. The turning or original casting marks remain remarkably legible.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021
Shipped with UPS and insured
Sent only to Europe!
Betel-spittoon with a broad flared lip
Khmer Empire
Bayon Period, 12th–13th century
Bronze with a dark olive patina
Height: 9 cm Lip diameter: 13 cm
A miniature vessel cast in bronze, characterized by compact proportions and a 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 parallel, double annular incisions, neat and regular. The transition to the neck is marked by a pronounced concave constriction that opens spectacularly onto a very broad flared lip in the shape of a funnel (or a petal), ending in a fine, sharp edge. The base is flat, with a slight circular foot ensuring perfect stability.
This vase of a specific form is traditionally identified as an element of the betel set, serving as a spittoon during the chewing of chique, 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.
Condition:
Superb 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 tones and golden areas, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate concretions (malachite) localized in several places. The turning or original casting marks remain remarkably legible.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021
Shipped with UPS and insured
Details
Culture
Ancient Khmer
Century/timeframe
12-13th c.
Name of object
Betel nut - cuspidor vase
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1977
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
9 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2021
Width
13 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
13 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
