Khmer Angkor Period Bronze Lime Container

The Khmer Empire, Angkor period, 12th or 13th century, Cambodia.

Mesmerizing, narrow two-piece cast bronze vessel of fluted shape with the cover tapering upwards to a stepped conical finial, made during the Khmer Empire, or the Angkorian Empire in Cambodia and once served as a container for holding slaked lime which was added to betel nut and spices, then chewed, providing a mild intoxication. The lime which was made from shell, coral or limestone neutralised some of the bitterness of the betel nut and also increased the speed at which the drug entered the system. The Khmer Empire, or the Angkorian Empire, are the terms that historians use to refer to Cambodia from the 9th century to the 15th century when the nation was a Hindu/ Buddhist empire in Southeast Asia. As its peak, the Khmer Empire was larger than the Byzantine Empire which existed around the same time. Perhaps its most notable legacy is the site of Angor, in present-day Cambodia, the Khmer capital during the empire's zenith. The majestetic monuments of Angkor, such as Angkor Wat and Bayon, bear testimony to the Khmer Empire's immense power and wealth. 

Excellent condition. Age-related wear and signs of erosion. Still contains remnants of its original contents. Earthen deposits. Lovely patina with some evidence of green oxidization. Size approx. 8,7cm x 2,3cm x 2,3cm. 

Provenance: Private collection from Sweden

For a similar examples see:

Betel-box, The British Museum, Accession Number: 1954,0715.23 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1954-0715-23)

Covered Bowl and Spoon, Tokyo National Museum, Accession Number: TE-809 (https://colbase.nich.go.jp/collection_items/tnm/TE-809?locale=en)

References and further reading:

The Khmer Empire, Rodrigo Quijada Plubins, World History Encyclopedia, 12 March 2013.