Inventory no.: 3449

Cambodian Silver Betel Box

SOLD

Chased Silver Lion-Shaped Betel Box with Red Glass Eyes

Cambodia

circa 1920

length: 7.4cm, height: 6cm, depth: 4.5cm, weight: 55g

This fine, well-modelled silver betel box is unmistakably Cambodian, and dates to around 1920. Shaped as a plump, dog-like lion, it separates into a bottom and a top half. It was used to store elements of the betel nut quid, a mild social narcotic.

It is of chased and engraved silver. The eyes are set with faceted red glass. The base is engraved with a short line of Cambodian script.

The box has obvious age but otherwise is in fine condition.

References

Rooney, D., Betel Chewing Traditions in South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1993.

Provenance:

private collection, UK

Inventory no.: 3449

SOLD