Lot 50G
Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. 12th to 13th century CE. A pair of cast bronze palanquin hooks, each with a near-identical lotus flower design - they were probably cast from the same mold. The lotus flower opens outward on either side of a large cylindrical socket. Extending from one side of the lotus is a Garuda figure with a very long beak that curves upward to form a sturdy hook. Garuda is a mythical bird who serves as the Hindu god Vishnu's vahana (mount). Here he is portrayed with bulging eyes and a mass of raised, horn-like feathers; his exaggerated beak provides a fantastical touch. The surfaces of the lotuses are studded with smaller flowers. Inside each socket is an iron patina and signs of wear, a reminder of the purpose of these beautiful objects. Size of one (they are almost identical): 3.95" W x 7.8" H (10 cm x 19.8 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Palanquin hooks were an essential part of the wooden and wicker palanquins that were the primary mode of transport for royal and elite people in Khmer society - these decorative hooks were used to suspend the palanquin from the transverse pole used to carry it. The technical skill and artistry of Khmer bronze casters is evident in these examples, with their ornate decoration despite their heavy use.
See a more ornate example, sold at Christie's, New York, in 2012 for $6250: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-pair-of-bronze-palanquin-hooks-khmer-5538834-details.aspx; see a simpler example that gives a clear photo of how this piece was used alongside a ring at the British Museum: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=224189&partId=1&people=139455&peoA=139455-3-17&sortBy=imageName&page=1
Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired over the last twenty years
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#129807
- Condition: Both are repaired from multiplie pieces, so that there are almost no losses on the surface. Very nice pale green patina, with some hints of bright blue azurite patina, especially on the interior of the rings. Small areas of iron patina from use, also on interior of rings.
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