Michael Backman Ltd - Home
Malay Brass Spittoon
Malaysia
19th century
height: 16.5cm, diameter at top: 13.5cm
This spittoon, cast and turned in brass, has a pleasing shape. It has a wide mouth, a bulbous body and a slightly flared foot.
Spittoons such as this were essential accoutrements of all Malay households on account of the habit of chewing betel, the nut of the areca palm tree, which
had a mild narcotic effect. Chewing it with lime and other ingredients gave rise to the production of red spittle that needed to be disposed of.
Provenance: UK art market.
Inventory no.: 959
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here for more examples of Malay brassware.
Malay Brass Spittoon
Malaysia
19th century
height: 16.5cm, diameter at top: 13.5cm
This spittoon, cast and turned in brass, has a pleasing shape. It has a wide mouth, a bulbous body and a slightly flared foot.
Spittoons such as this were essential accoutrements of all Malay households on account of the habit of chewing betel, the nut of the areca palm tree, which
had a mild narcotic effect. Chewing it with lime and other ingredients gave rise to the production of red spittle that needed to be disposed of.
Provenance: UK art market.
Inventory no.: 959
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here for more examples of Malay brassware.
