Indian Copper and Bronze Betel Box Pan Dan

Mid. or late 19th Century, Rajasthan, India

Absolutely charming small-sized domed box was intended for the storage of areca nut, betel leaves, (Hindi: Pan), cardamom, sukhi or meethi supari, kathaa, cloves and other condiments for making Pan. Lime powder (Chuna) was also used with the betel quid being a mild social narcotic that was chewed. Handcrafted by artisans of North India and represents the glory of the Mughal era with its mid century design. The box is finely decorated with simple circular engravings, the handle and the closure systems are of good quality.

Excellent condition. Age-related minor wear and light abrasion. Polished dark patina. Heavily encrusted, build-up lime residue, consistent with age and sustained usage. Size approx. 10,5cm x 10,5cm x 6,3cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

Betel Chewing Traditions in South-East Asia, Dawn F. Rooney, Kuala Lumpur, Oxford University Press, 1993. (http://rooneyarchive.net/books/betel_chewing_traditions_in_south-east_asia.pdf)

The Lerche Collection: Chewing Betel Through the Ages, Beowulf K. Klebert, Arts of Asia, January-February 1983, pp. 107.13.

From Betel-Chewing to Tobacco-Smoking in Indonesia, Anthony Reid, The Journal of Asian Studies, Vol. XLIV, No. 3, May 1985, pp. 529-47.