Khmer Angkor Period Brown Glazed Stoneware Rooster Lime Pot

The Khmer Empire, Angkor Period, Early 11th Century, Cambodia

An exceptional and highly unusual stoneware lime pot crafted in the form of a rooster, this rare artifact is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of Khmer ceramics. The pot features a squat, globular body that was wheel-thrown with remarkable precision. To this base, a meticulously modeled high-relief rooster's head and elegantly sculpted tail feathers have been added. Incised wings and vertical lines adorn the body, all cloaked in a lustrous chocolate-brown glaze that halts just above the elevated foot, revealing the beige ceramic biscuit beneath.

These lime pots were integral to Khmer religious and domestic practices, often reflecting the culture’s penchant for integrating functional objects with artistic flair. Shaped as animals such as birds, frogs, dogs, rabbits, and tortoises, these whimsical yet practical containers embody the Khmer affinity for imbuing everyday items with cultural and symbolic significance.

The open hole at the top of the vessel served as a reservoir for lime, an essential ingredient in the preparation of betel quid—a common practice in Khmer society. This rooster-shaped lime pot not only highlights the technical skill of the Khmer potters but also offers a glimpse into the daily life and spiritual traditions of the Angkor period.

Excellent condition. Intact, no repairs. Scratches and wear commensurate with age and use. Rich deposits on interior and exterior. Size approx. 7,5cm x 12,5cm x 10,5cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection

For a similar example see:

Lime Pot with Chicken Head and Tail, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 1984.498.1a, b (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/37437)

References and further reading:

Khmer ceramics from the Kamratan Collection in the Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum, H. Fujiwara, Kyoto, 1990, pp. 74-79.

Legend and Reality: Early Ceramics from South-East Asia, Prof. Dr. Roger Goepper, 1977, figures 39a - 45b

Southeast Asian Ceramics, D.F. Frasche, 1976. #13.