Laotian Bronze Lime Container

Early to mid-19th century, Laos, Southeast Asia

An elegant cast bronze lime container, dating to the early or mid-19th century, composed of two separately cast sections. The vessel features a finely fluted body enhanced with chased decoration, rising from a waisted cylindrical base articulated with decorative bands at the foot, waist, and rim. A metal suspension loop is set into the rim, while an inset collar extends upward to secure the fitted lid.

The lid is surmounted by a conical finial terminating in a metal loop, and both the cone and the short cylindrical lid section are decorated to complement the body below. The overall form is balanced and refined, reflecting the skilled metalworking traditions of Laos during the period.

Such containers were used to hold slaked lime, an essential ingredient in the preparation of betel nut, a traditional mixture chewed with spices for its mildly intoxicating and social effects across Southeast Asia. The lime—produced from shell, coral, or limestone—served to neutralize the natural bitterness of the betel nut and facilitate the release and absorption of its active compounds.

This finely worked lime container is both a functional object and a cultural artifact, embodying the ceremonial and social practices surrounding betel chewing in 19th-century Southeast Asia.

Excellent condition. Age-related heavy wear and signs of erosion. Still contains remnants of its original contents. Earthen deposits. Lovely patina with green oxidization. Size approx. 9,6cm x 3,5cm x 3,3cm. 

Provenance: Swedish private collection 

For a similar examples see:

Lime Container,  Bowers Museum, Accession Number: 2019.23.58a,b                               (https://collections.bowers.org/objects/147016/lime-container) 

Lime-paste container, National Museum of Cambodia, Accession Number: Ga.5801 / E.450 / E/II.64.15 (https://www.search.cambodiamuseum.info/index.php/searchcatalog/page_list/f.ref_en_nb/desc/5)