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| Royal Utensils |
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These Royal Utensils are items for personal use by the monarch, and include among other things, the Betel Nut Set, the Water Urn, the Libation Vessel, and the Receptacle. They are objects that serve to impress the people and to honor the power of the King. They are always placed on either side of the King's throne or seat in royal ceremonies.
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The Water Urn
This exquisite polygonal water urn is placed on a lotus pedestal bowl. The inverted top of the three-tiered lid of the urn is surrounded by lotus buds. Both the urn and the pedestal bowl are gold inlaid and embedded with gemstones such as emeralds and rubies. |
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The Receptacle
The small receptacle or Phra Supannasi Bua Chaek is formed in the shape of a lotus bud with enamel petals in red and green. |
The Libation Vessel
This gold Libation Vessel known as Phra Supannarat has a "bomb?" body on a pedestal foot. Tapered at the neck, the vessel has a wide opening. The whole piece is embossed and engraved. |
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The Betel Nut Set
Betel chewing was a prevalent habit of the bygone era, and the betel nut set remains an indispensable Royal Utensil. This enameled gold betel nut set consists of a betel leaf holder, two bowls, two urn-shaped boxes, an areca nut cutter, and a box of lip wax; all are placed on a two-tiered pedestal tray supported on all four corners by green enamel three-headed Naga (Snake). In the past, the Thai kings would give betel nut sets of various materials, patterns, and forms to signify the rank and status of the recipients. |
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