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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
The Himalayas and South-East Asia, Room 47a

Vase and Cover (kun tho nam mon)

Vase and Lid
19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This object reproduces in silver a well known Thai ceramic form.It was used to contain holy water used during Buddhist or Brahmanic rituals. The use of lotus petal decoration and the lotus bud finial refer to the sanctifying and purifying power of the water within.
A Chinese maker's stamp on the underside of the foot show that it was made by one of the many Chinese craftsmen resident in Bangkok.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Vase
  • Cover
TitleVase and Cover (kun tho nam mon)
Materials and techniques
Repousse silver
Brief description
Domestic, silver, repousse, Thailand, C19

Domestic, silver, repousse, Thailand, C19
Physical description
A vase and cover (kun tho nam mon) of silver, with a bulb-shaped body, decorated with repousse pattern of lotus petals. There is a band of leaf ornament on the foot and around the top of the body. The cover, with three tiers of umbrellas and a lotus bud on the top, is chased with a floral design. Used in the hair cutting ceremony ('kone chook') for holding holy water.
Dimensions
  • Height: 27.5cm
  • Width: 15cm
  • Depth: 15cm
Gallery label
  • VASE AND COVER (THAI: KUN THO NAM MON) Repousse Silver Bangkok 19th century 401-1894 This vessel was used to contain holy water used during Buddhist or Brahmanic rituals. The use of lotus petal decoration and the lotus bud finial refer to the sanctifying and purifying power of the water within. A Chinese maker’s stamp on the underside of the foot show that it was made by one of the many Chinese craftsmen resident in Bangkok. (1/10/2008)
  • VASE AND COVER (THAI: KUN THO NAM MON) Repousse Silver Bangkok 19th century 401-1894 This vessel was used to contain holy water used during Buddhist or Brahmanic rituals. The use of lotus petal decoration and the lotus bud finial refer to the sanctifying and purifying power of the water within. A Chinese maker’s stamp on the underside of the foot show that it was made by one of the many Chinese craftsmen resident in Bangkok. VASE AND COVER (THAI: KUN THO NAM MON) Repousse Silver Bangkok 19th century 401-1894 This vessel was used to contain holy water used during Buddhist or Brahmanic rituals. The use of lotus petal decoration and the lotus bud finial refer to the sanctifying and purifying power of the water within. A Chinese maker’s stamp on the underside of the foot show that it was made by one of the many Chinese craftsmen resident in Bangkok.
Summary
This object reproduces in silver a well known Thai ceramic form.It was used to contain holy water used during Buddhist or Brahmanic rituals. The use of lotus petal decoration and the lotus bud finial refer to the sanctifying and purifying power of the water within.
A Chinese maker's stamp on the underside of the foot show that it was made by one of the many Chinese craftsmen resident in Bangkok.
Collection
Accession number
401&a-1894

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Record createdJanuary 4, 2008
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