Ancient Khmer Bronze Betel nut - cuspidor vase - 9 cm

Starting bid
€ 1

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Peter Reynaers
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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

Shipping 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 Diameter at the lip: 13 cm

A miniature cast bronze vessel characterized by its compact proportions and vigorous silhouette, typical of the 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 series of parallel, neat, regular annular incisions. The transition to the neck is marked by a pronounced concave constriction that opens dramatically into a very wide flared lip in the shape of a funnel (or a corolla), 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 spitton during the 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.

Condition:

Superb archaeological conservation state. 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 golds in places, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate concretions (malachite) located at several spots. The original turning or casting marks remain remarkably legible.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021

Shipped with UPS and insured

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
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Shipping 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 Diameter at the lip: 13 cm

A miniature cast bronze vessel characterized by its compact proportions and vigorous silhouette, typical of the 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 series of parallel, neat, regular annular incisions. The transition to the neck is marked by a pronounced concave constriction that opens dramatically into a very wide flared lip in the shape of a funnel (or a corolla), 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 spitton during the 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.

Condition:

Superb archaeological conservation state. 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 golds in places, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate concretions (malachite) located at several spots. The original turning or casting marks remain remarkably legible.

Provenance: Kanaka The Collection since 2021

Shipped with UPS and insured

Seller's Story

Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest. Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions. We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google Translate

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
Portugal
177
Objects sold
100%
protop

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.

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