15th cent. Vietnam Tri-Color Lime Pot Chu Dao Kiln Antique 6.25\" For Sale

Antique Vietnamese three colored stoneware lime pot, or binh voi, created in the Chu Dao Kiln.

Of globular form, modeled after the shape of an areca nut, with round opening at the shoulder. Ornate overhead strap handle stylized to resemble an areca palm trunk with the betel vine winding around it, and molded applique shapes resembling bunches of areca nuts beneath.

Body covered in light cream glaze with green glaze covering the handle.

A band of iron oxide brown decorates where the body meets the foot

Unglazed base and carved footring

Traces of lime residue

These traditional pots were used to hold slaked lime, a component of betel nut chewing. They would be passed around to guests, who each inserted a small spatula (or finger) into the vessel to extract the lime. The lime was then smeared on a betel leaf, along with slices of areca nut and possibly extra flavorings.

For comparison, please see Society of the Friends of the Cernuschi Museum\'s article entitled \"Nature Revisted by Vietnamese Potters.\"

Dates to 15th century.

Measures approx. 6.25” x 4”

Cleanable grime. Lime residue. (See pics)