Royal Thai copper enameled spittoon, Rattanakosin Period (1782-1932), benjarong-style vessel with flaring scalloped flower-form rim, issuing form lobed globular body, raised on domed foot, decorated with flowering vines on a yellow ground, robin's egg blue interior, unmarked, 8"h x 12"dia (larger)

Provenance: The Collection of Alvaro Martinez-Fonts

Notes/Literature: Likely produced in China, as a commission for the Thai Royal family. The enamelware were then presented to high-ranking Thai monks, standing in for objects of great value, as the Buddhist faith forbids accepting gifts of luxury. The yellow enamel background symbolizes the Thai royal family and also denotes the seniority of the monks these were commissioned for. Near-identical enameled copper items are in the Smithsonian in Washington, part of the Siam Exhibit at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition and later presented to the United States by King Chulalongkorn (1853-1910)

Fair, dented foot with associated enamel loss, scattered chipping to enamel. interior rim with discolorations, scratches, and spots of oxidation **Condition reports are rendered as specialist opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot. Please call us at (973) 377-1500 or e-mail info@milleabros.com with any questions about this lot at least 24 hours prior to auction.