Cambodian Hanuman Betel Lime Box

Repoussed and Chased Silver Lime Betel Box in the Form of Hanuman

Cambodia

circa 1920

length: 9cm, width: 8cm, thickness: 6cm, weight: 101g

Lime is an essential part of the betel or areca nut quid, a mild social narcotic, and in Cambodia, elaborate silver boxes were made to hold lime powder for this purpose.

This fine example has as its lid, Hanuman, the warrior monkey god from the Ramayana, in a fierce aspect and holding a sword in his right hand. The decoration is in particularly high, repoussed relief with additional chased details. The Hanuman figure has been formed such that his feet, knees and ears extend over the sides of the box adding to the dynamism of his appearance.

The lid fits tightly over a base that is chased with seven panels of flowers and foliage.

The lid and base have small French import marks, and is undoubtedly a relic of the French colonial era when it administered Cambodia.

Fraser-Lu (1989) illustrates a related though significantly less elegant example of a Cambodian lime box in the form of Hanuman.

The example here is in excellent condition.

References

Fraser-Lu, S., Silverware of South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1989.

Provenance

French art market

Inventory no.: 2157

SOLD