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Three Cambodian Silver Betel Boxes with Ruby-Coloured Eyes Eyes
Cambodia
circa 1920
deer length: 10 cm; height: 8.5 cm
duck length: 6.5 cm; height: 8 cm
kotchasingh length: 8.8 cm; height: 10 cm
combined weight: 197g
Each of the three boxes is in the shape of an animal: a deer, a duck and a kotchasingh, a Cambodian mythical creature based on a lion. Each box is made in
two parts with the cover forming the upper half of the animal. Each is chased with curls and scrolling. The eyes of each comprise faceted ruby-like stones.
The manufacture of such boxes became popular in Cambodia between the two World Wars. The silver content is high; a high degree of malleability is needed
to hammer and chase the silver to the required shape.
References: Similar boxes are shown in Rooney, D., Betel Chewing Traditions in South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1993, p. 60; and Fraser-Lu, S.,
Silverware of South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1989, p. 54-5.
Inventory no.: 294
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Three Cambodian Silver Betel Boxes with Ruby-Coloured Eyes Eyes
Cambodia
circa 1920
deer length: 10 cm; height: 8.5 cm
duck length: 6.5 cm; height: 8 cm
kotchasingh length: 8.8 cm; height: 10 cm
combined weight: 197g
Each of the three boxes is in the shape of an animal: a deer, a duck and a kotchasingh, a Cambodian mythical creature based on a lion. Each box is made in
two parts with the cover forming the upper half of the animal. Each is chased with curls and scrolling. The eyes of each comprise faceted ruby-like stones.
The manufacture of such boxes became popular in Cambodia between the two World Wars. The silver content is high; a high degree of malleability is needed
to hammer and chase the silver to the required shape.
References: Similar boxes are shown in Rooney, D., Betel Chewing Traditions in South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1993, p. 60; and Fraser-Lu, S.,
Silverware of South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1989, p. 54-5.
Inventory no.: 294
This Item is available - Ask about this item
