Silver Gold Sumatra Betel Tobacco Box

Engraved Silver Betel/Tobacco Box with Engraved Gold Plaque

This fine, elegant silver box has a domed, hinged lid inset with a solid gold plaque engraved and punched with Islamic-inspired scrolling floral and vegetal motifs.

The box itself has concave corners and is engraved on all sides and about the lid with the scrolling clove motif – a motif that is highly characteristic of Malay silverwork.

Such boxes were used to hold shredded tobacco and sometimes betel nut.

The box is in excellent condition and has a fine, deep patina consistent with much use and age.

Jasper, J.E. & Pirngadie, De Inlandsche Kunstnijverheid in Nederlandsch Indie IV: de Goud en Zilversmeedkunst, 1930.

private collection