19th Century Silver Inlaid Brass Betel Nut Box

Description

The box comprises an outer box with a hinged lid and
handles, and an inner box that is divided into … more The box comprises an outer box with a hinged lid and
handles, and an inner box that is divided into three lidded compartments covered by four hinged lids. One compartment was for powdered lime which was an essential part of the betel quid. Remnants of lime remain caked to the interior.

Both the outer and outer boxes are decorated with silver inlay on all visible sides with a repeated stylised orchid motif within scrolling obid-obid (stylised rope) borders, and stylised tail feathers of the sari-manok bird. Designs such as these are drawn from a local design repertoire that has its origins in wood carving. less