Silver Gold Sumatra Betel Tobacco Box

Engraved Silver Betel/Tobacco Box with Engraved Gold Plaque

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

The box itself has rounded, scalloped corners and is engraved on all sides with geometric motifs and scrolling floral and leaf patterns.

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