Cambodian (or Thai) Silver Water Flask

This tall, well-made and exceptionally elegant silver flask was made either in Cambodia or Thailand, most probably in the 20th century.

It has a domed foot, a flattened, spherical body, a tall neck, and a tiered cover attached to the body by means of a silver chain.

It has been elaborately chased all over with floral motifs in a trellis formation.

Such a flask might have been used to hold drinking water in association with an important feast, or was used to hold lustral water that could be ritually poured over Buddha images.

A related flask is illustrated in an old black and white photograph of Cambodian silverware taken in the early 20th century, and reproduced in Kong Vireak (2009, p. 35). A similar flask is illustrated in Bromberg (2019, p. 109.)

The flask is more likely to have been produced in Cambodia than Thailand – the motifs for both are very similar, but on this flask have a more Cambodian appearance. Also, the foot and cover are both stamped with tiny French import marks which also suggests a Cambodian provenance.

The flask is in perfect condition. It is an especially beautiful object with very fine silverwork.