Engraved Malay Brass Betel or Tobacco Box

This box, of yellow brass, is chased all over with a beautiful scrolling water plant motif. It has a tightly fitting, non-hinged lid.

Boxes such as this example are based on 18th century Dutch tobacco boxes of similar though smaller form. (Indonesia was formerly a Dutch colony). Such boxes were used to hold either betel or tobacco.

The example here is in fine condition and has a superb patina.