Ancient Khmer Bronze Betel nut - cuspidor vase - 9 cm






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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 vessel cast in bronze, notable for its compact proportions and vigorous silhouette, typical of prestige furnishings of the Lopburi / Bayon period.
The object features a globular or bulbous body that is strongly flattened, marked on the shoulder and base by series of parallel, double annular incisions that are clean and regular. The transition to the neck is defined by a pronounced concave constriction that opens spectacularly into a very broad flared lip in a funnel (or corolla) shape, ending with a fine, sharp edge. The base is flat, with a slight circular footing that provides perfect stability.
This vase of a specific form is traditionally identified as an element of the betel set, serving as a spittoon during chewing of the quid, or as a container for ceremonial ingredients. In medieval Khmer culture, the betel ritual accompanied all major acts of social, diplomatic, and religious life.
Condition:
Excellent archaeological condition. The bronze structure is sound, but with some distortion at the lips. The object has developed a magnificent surface patina (bronze skin) with brown-olive tones and gold highlights in places, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate (malachite) concretions located in 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
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 vessel cast in bronze, notable for its compact proportions and vigorous silhouette, typical of prestige furnishings of the Lopburi / Bayon period.
The object features a globular or bulbous body that is strongly flattened, marked on the shoulder and base by series of parallel, double annular incisions that are clean and regular. The transition to the neck is defined by a pronounced concave constriction that opens spectacularly into a very broad flared lip in a funnel (or corolla) shape, ending with a fine, sharp edge. The base is flat, with a slight circular footing that provides perfect stability.
This vase of a specific form is traditionally identified as an element of the betel set, serving as a spittoon during chewing of the quid, or as a container for ceremonial ingredients. In medieval Khmer culture, the betel ritual accompanied all major acts of social, diplomatic, and religious life.
Condition:
Excellent archaeological condition. The bronze structure is sound, but with some distortion at the lips. The object has developed a magnificent surface patina (bronze skin) with brown-olive tones and gold highlights in places, subtly enhanced by small copper carbonate (malachite) concretions located in 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
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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.
