Spittoon, in two parts, repoussé and chased, Thailand (Siam), 19th century.

Spittoon of gold, repoussé and chased. Separated in two parts. Round central portion with ribbed design.

Gift of Reta May Leonowens

This object was acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1937 as a legacy of Reta May Leonowens (1880–1936) after having been on loan since 1919. Reta May was the widow of Louis T. Leonowens (1856–1919), son of Anna Leonowens (1831–1915), the protagonist of Margaret Landon’s novel Anna and the King of Siam (1944), which dramatized her time teaching English at the court of King Mongkut (Rama IV, r. 1851–1868). The object is part of a collection assembled by Louis Leonowens during his years in Thailand (1880–1913), where he initially served as an officer in the Royal Cavalry and later pursued business ventures. The collection reflects the elite objects of 19th-century Thai court life, acquired by Louis—described as a ‘life-long friend’ of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)—and a veteran of the Haw Wars (1865–1890).

See Victoria & Albert Museum registered file MA/1/L1054.

IM.57&A-1937