A PAIR OF BRONZE PALANQUIN HOOKS, ANGKOR PERIODKhmer Empire, 12th-13th century. The ring in the form of a stylized lotus blossom surmounted by a bud, supported by Garuda with spread wings and raised tail, the hook in the shape of a naga-body sweeping upwards and culminating in the cobra's heads. Note the massive bronze casting with its remarkably well-preserved detail work. (2)Provenance: From an old private collection in Geneva, Switzerland. A handwritten inventory, number 4025/2, dated 1 April 1988, notes that the present lot was acquired from Cheng’s Gallery in Sampantawong, Bangkok, Thailand. Copies of this inventory and the invoice from Cheng’s apany this lot.Condition: Good conditionmensurate with age showing old wear, cracks, minor losses, casting irregularities, signs of weathering and erosion, and malachite and cuprite encrustations. Small old fills.Weight: 307 g and 304 gDimensions: Length 15.1 cm and 15.3 cmAt the height of the Khmer Empire (802-1437), royalty and aristocracy traveled in handheld carriages or palanquins. The seat of a palanquin was slung from ropes attached to hooks like the present pair. They were used to support a bronze ring from which hung the seat, like a hammock or swing. A wooden pole would then have passed through the hollow collar at the top of the hook and was carried by bearers on their shoulders.Literatureparison:Compare a related Khmer bronze palanquin hook, 12th-13th century, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, museum number IS.10:1-1997.Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Christie’s Amsterdam, 21 May 2003, lot 680Price: EUR 8,365 or approx.EUR 12,500 adjusted for inflation at the time of writingDescription: A fine pair of Khmer bronze palanquin hooks, 12th/13th centuryExpert remark:pare the related form and decoration. Note the size (22 cm).Auction resultparison:Type: RelatedAuction: Paris, 25 October 2022, lot 81Price:EUR 16,575 at the time of writingDescription: A pair of copper alloy palanquin hooks, Angkorian period, mid-12th centuryExpert remark:pare the related form. Note the size (25 cm).