Inventory no.: 3494

Cambodian Silver Betel Box

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Repoussed Silver Betel Box Shaped as a Lion

Cambodia

circa 1920

length: 11cm, weight: 102g

This fine, well-modelled silver betel box is unmistakably Cambodian, and dates to around 1920. Shaped as a plump, dog-like lion that unusually is looking straight ahead, 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 facial features, hair and so on are all well delineated.

The box has obvious age but otherwise is in fine condition. Overall, it is a very fine piece.

References

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

Inventory no.: 3494

SOLD