Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire (Angkor culture), ca. 12th to 13th century. A matched pair of lovely cast-bronze palanquin hooks with a lotus motif. The curved hooks terminate with a closed lotus bud. The cylindrical sockets are surmounted by an open lotus flower with a stylized central pistil. The aristocracy of the Khmer empire were carried in covered palanquins, and socketed hooks such as these secured wooden poles for servants to carry the luxurious litter. These are fine examples of utilitarian fittings, ornately wrought for the pleasure of elite members of society. Size: 6.25" L x 2.25" W (15.9 cm x 5.7 cm); 7" H x 8.25" L (17.8 cm x 21 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #159040