Kashmiri Silver Betel Nut Box, Khaas Daan, Late 19th Century

The oval tray, crafted in the Bidri tradition, boasts an intricate symphony of metalwork and engraving that reflects the rich artistic heritage of 19th-century India. The base materi...

Burmese silver pocket cigarette case, late 19th century. This well-crafted box is typical of Burmese work for the Anglo-colonial market in the...

The Kashmiri Indian Silver White-Metal Engraved Floral Round Platter from the early 20th century is a magnificent example of traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship, known for its intrica...

This culinary masterpiece, designed for the preparation of rice, transcends its utilitarian purpose and becomes a work of art in its own right. The entire surface of the rice pan is adorned with intricately engraved calligraphy, adding a touch of elegance and cultural significance. The brass rice pan is substantial, reflecting its purpose as a tool for large-scale cooking. Its sheer size and sturdy construction make it a standout piece in any kitchen or culinary setting. The brass material provides a warm and lustrous backdrop for the detailed engravings that grace its surface. The calligraphy on the rice pan is a testament to the artistry and precision of the craftsman. Delicate Arabic or Persian script, characterized by flowing lines and elegant curves, covers the entire exterior of the pan. The calligraphy may feature verses from poetry, blessings, or traditional sayings related to food, hospitality, and prosperity. Each inscription is meticulously engraved, creating a visually striking contrast between the polished brass and the finely detailed letters. The combination of the monumental size, brass material, and engraved calligraphy transforms this rice pan into a cultural artifact that goes beyond its culinary function. It becomes a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and the importance of communal gatherings around food. Whether displayed as a piece of art or used in the preparation of meals, this monumental brass rice pan stands...

Antique handcrafted unique silver collectible box North India. Antique Raj Mughal silver box with hand chased and repousse fine decoration. The top of the box is very intricately finely chased panels with a combination of with foliage and flowers repousse decoration and toped with a peacock bird final. The deep gadroons around the body give this pandan box...

Asian decorative trinket lidded box in metal silvered hammered and etched with organic floral design. Anglo Raj style oval form betel box. Dimensio...

An Indian silver plated metal box from the 19th century with pierced foliage motifs. Created in India during the 19th century, this silver plated metal box attracts our attention wit...

Asian antique Beaten Brass Betel Nut Pandan Box, Northern India. Beautiful antique hand hammered Asian round brass betel with a lid and delicate engravings with floral design handle hand crafted by skilled artisans from Northern India. Indian Beaten Copper Betel Nut Pandan Box with hand hammered beaten floral and incised decoration used to store betel leaf, lime, tobacco and the nut from the areca palm. This mixture of ingredients when prepared and placed in the mouth for long periods gives the user a mild aphrodisiac effect. The preparation of the betel nut with lime stored in ornate boxes with several smaller internal containers was popular all over Asia and is still a common practice in Myanmar and India and among the hill tribes of many S. E. Asian countries. Engraved with intricate designs on the lid which has a carved floral design handle and a latch in front for opening or closing the box and for safekeeping. Nicely hand-hammered with intricate details. Please check photo #5, there is about 1 inch damage area on the side of the box. Museum quality Asian Hand-hammered decorative Islamic brass folk art metalwork collector treasure box. Measures: Diameter 7 in. x Height 4 in. The box has a rich, deep brown patina. Quality of Mughal style. A pandan was used to store the pan, or betel quid after it had been stuffed and rolled ready to eat, rather than for the individual ingredients. The chewing of betel is an ancient Asian tradition comparable to tobacco in the western world. Betel consists of three main ingredients: the areca nut, betel leaf and lime paste. Betel was, and still is enormously popular throughout Asia and plays a major role in the entertaining of guests, in courtship and marriage, and in the traditional etiquette of the royal courts, where it often forms part of the state regalia.[1] Research on several pandan boxes has been published by Zebrowski.[2] Brownrigg, H. Betel Cutters...