Antique Very Rare Pair Bronze Khmer Palanquin Rings, Thailand (3378)

Description

A palanquin is a wicker or light wood human-powered mode of transport once used in Asia to carry people, usually for a royal or single person of elite status in Khmer-Empire society. Derived from the Sanskrit word for bed or couch, it is often a covered vehicle without wheels called a litter carried on the shoulders of two or four carriers using strong wood poles. Small palanquins may have had a bed or chairs and may have been enclosed for protection, while large ones had curtains or shutters, bedding and decoration reflecting the status of the person transported. These 12-13th century antique mould cast bronze rings have a narrow upper body into which a decorative bronze hook was placed, and the wider lower body was made to accommodate the pole. By this date, poles were made with iron rather than wood and were thinner.

The pair are cast as near-identical mirrors, indicating they were created simultaneously to adorn opposite sides of the exact same royal carrying pole. Having a matching, surviving pair adds a significant premium, as single hooks are much more common. The looks consist of two lower projecting heads which are are stylized Makaras (mythical aquatic creatures) with open jaws, prominent round eyes, and a curled snout. Emerging straight from their mouths is the curved body of the Naga (serpent) that forms the upper loop. The top arch has two distinct, raised decorative bands witha central rosette or floral bud flanked by delicate, pointed leaf borders. These design elements match the architectural stone reliefs found at Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple. The Makara-Naga protective motif faced outward toward the crowds. In Khmer belief, passing through an archway flanked by Nagas) protected the elite rider from malicious spirits, curses, or physical harm during travel. The sides of the arches are pointed, flame-like foliage crests and scrolling floral buds that are characteristic of the Bayon or Angkor Wat stylistic periods.

This pair was purchased in from a dealer in Thailand in the early 2000’s and was originally found in Lopburi, Thailand, the western most Khmer outpost. Both palanquin rings are in excellent condition with fine patina and expected minor losses and evidence of long use especially on the lower wide ring.

AI Summary Comments

In the global antiquities market, these 12th-to-13th-century Khmer bronze palanquin rings occupy a distinct tier of rarity and collectibility. Understanding how they are valued by major institutions and advanced connoisseurs clarifies their specific market position. an intact, identical, mirrored pair that explicitly served the exact same ceremonial litter multiplies their historical and market value.