Antique Cambodian Silver Elephant Betel Box

Description

Khmer Silver Elephant Betel nut Box Tusk facing up. A two-part silver box in the traditional Khmer motif of an … more Khmer Silver Elephant Betel nut Box Tusk facing up. A two-part silver box in the traditional Khmer motif of an Elephant, it is covered with swirling lines. The box was used to hold the leaves and other ingredients necessary to assemble a quid of betel, a mild stimulant used for centuries throughout Southeast Asia. While such silver pieces are difficult to date, this one, judging by design and detail, was made in the early 20th century. Every surface, even the bottoms of the feet, is detailed, with exceptional attention to the head, where more than a dozen patterns of lines combine with crisp shapes to form the Elephants lively expression. Because such silver boxes were highly valued by their owners, they were carefully handled and typically remain in good condition. This one is in quite good condition, with no dents.
The box is not marked.
Measures 2" tall 2" long..

The outside of the box has been polished but the inside left how it was when I purchased the box.
Please email with with any question
This was purchased by me while visiting Cambodia "Russian Market" in the 1980s private collection less