Ancient Khmer Bronze Vase - 22 cm - Ritual vase
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Description from the seller
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Betel ritual vase (or lime pot) in pear shape from Khmer culture
Bayon Period, 12th–13th century
Bronze with a dark patina
Height: 22 cm Diameter: 13 cm
An important ritual bronze vessel featuring a particularly balanced and stocky pear-shaped silhouette, characteristic of the prestige metallurgy of the Bayon period.
The object consists of two distinct horizontal sections that fit together perfectly at the midline of the bulb.
The upper part stretches into a concave narrowed neck, which elegantly flares toward a corolla-shaped lip (or trumpet-flared), highlighted by fine annular mouldings at the base of the neck. The whole rests on a circular flared pedestal with stepped mouldings for stable tiers.
This type of large vase was mainly intended for storing ingredients needed for preparing betel quid (notably lime), or for holding oils and sacred waters during court ceremonies or religious rituals of the Khmer Empire. In the Bayon period, under the reign of Jayavarman VII, bronze objects destined for the aristocracy and Buddhist or Hindu clergy adopt austere and robust forms, privileging purity of line over decorative excess.
Condition:
Generally good overall preservation. The object shows a deep excavation patina, in a dark brown to black-reflective tone, speckled with green oxidation concretions and natural earthy deposits that highlight its antiquity and authenticity. The overall structure is intact; the joining joints are well preserved despite a crack along the body.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021
Shipped with UPS and insured
Shipping only within Europe!
Betel ritual vase (or lime pot) in pear shape from Khmer culture
Bayon Period, 12th–13th century
Bronze with a dark patina
Height: 22 cm Diameter: 13 cm
An important ritual bronze vessel featuring a particularly balanced and stocky pear-shaped silhouette, characteristic of the prestige metallurgy of the Bayon period.
The object consists of two distinct horizontal sections that fit together perfectly at the midline of the bulb.
The upper part stretches into a concave narrowed neck, which elegantly flares toward a corolla-shaped lip (or trumpet-flared), highlighted by fine annular mouldings at the base of the neck. The whole rests on a circular flared pedestal with stepped mouldings for stable tiers.
This type of large vase was mainly intended for storing ingredients needed for preparing betel quid (notably lime), or for holding oils and sacred waters during court ceremonies or religious rituals of the Khmer Empire. In the Bayon period, under the reign of Jayavarman VII, bronze objects destined for the aristocracy and Buddhist or Hindu clergy adopt austere and robust forms, privileging purity of line over decorative excess.
Condition:
Generally good overall preservation. The object shows a deep excavation patina, in a dark brown to black-reflective tone, speckled with green oxidation concretions and natural earthy deposits that highlight its antiquity and authenticity. The overall structure is intact; the joining joints are well preserved despite a crack along the body.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021
Shipped with UPS and insured
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Ancient Khmer
Title additional information
Ritual vase
Century/timeframe
12-13th c.
Acquired from
Private collection
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Cambodia
Year acquired
1977
Country acquired from
Belgium
Material
Bronze
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2021
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Fair condition - heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Height
22 cm
Width
13 cm
Depth
13 cm
Diameter
13 cm
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.
