Cambodian Silver Betel Box
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