Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. 800 to 1300 CE. This is a bronze kendi, a round-bodied vessel with a pronounced rim atop a rounded shoulder and a small attached bronze spout. Kendi are unique to Southeast Asia, often made of precious metals like this one, and appear in sculptures and paintings as attributes held by Hindu gods and various figures in Buddhism. Kendi are ritual containers for holy water that has been collected from sacred rivers; kings would use them in coronation ceremonies to wash and purify themselves. This particular example appears to have been made by modifying an existing cast vessel - a hole was drilled out and a spout added after its original casting. This is an unusual form, with its wide open spout, and closely resembles earlier pottery versions of this sacred object. Perhaps its commissioner particularly liked that bronze vessel and wanted to transform its use; alternately, they may have been a fan of older versions of the type. A unique and interesting piece! Size: 5.3" L x 4.25" W x 3.4" H (13.5 cm x 10.8 cm x 8.6 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Camacho collection acquired at auction

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#115888

Patina and dirt encrustation to the interior, but intact with excellent form.