Hen-Shaped Silver Betel Box, Cambodia, circa 1940
Hen-Shaped Silver Betel Box
Cambodia
circa 1940
height: 13.5cm,
length: 19.5cm, weight: 251g
This fine, well-modelled silver betel box is unmistakably Cambodian, and dates to around 1940. Shaped as a plump hen, 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, feathers and so on are all well delineated.
The box has obvious age but otherwise is in fine condition. There are no maker’s marks. Overall, it is a very fine piece.
References
Rooney, D., Betel Chewing Traditions in South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1993.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 3891
SOLD
