Antique Mughal Indian Large Pandan Betel Nut Box Lacquered Embossed Copper Hand Made 23.5cm or 9 1/4 inch wide x 19cm or 7 3/4 high. Made from hand beaten and Embossed copper which has been lacquered in red. See photo's for condition. Hinge is working. Could be before 1800. Never seen a lacquered one before. These box's were used to store betel leaf, lime, tobacco and the nut of the areca palm. This mixture of ingredients when chewed in the mouth for long periods is supposed to give the user a mild aphrodisiac affect. The chewing of betel, or pan as it is called in North India has had a long history in South Asia. It is particularly appreciated after meals because of its alkaline content, but it can be consumed any time, and has come to be associated with a leisured and refined lifestyle.
Antique Mughal Indian Large Pandan Betel Nut Box Lacquered Embossed Copper 9in
Antique Mughal Indian Large Pandan Betel Nut Box Lacquered Embossed Copper 9in
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Description
Antique Mughal Indian Large Pandan Betel Nut Box Lacquered Embossed Copper Hand Made 23.5cm or 9 1/4 inch wide x 19cm or 7 3/4 high. Made from hand beaten and Embossed copper which has been lacquered in red. See photo's for condition. Hinge is working. Could be before 1800. Never seen a lacquered one before. These box's were used to store betel leaf, lime, tobacco and the nut of the areca palm. This mixture of ingredients when chewed in the mouth for long periods is supposed to give the user a mild aphrodisiac affect. The chewing of betel, or pan as it is called in North India has had a long history in South Asia. It is particularly appreciated after meals because of its alkaline content, but it can be consumed any time, and has come to be associated with a leisured and refined lifestyle. Pretty heavy weighs about 2 kg.
