Spice box c. 1870 - 1875
Gold | 7.6 x 11.7 x 7.8 cm (parts .a and .b together) | RCIN 11399
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A gold octagonal box and lid chased with broad bands of chased floral decoration. The box stands of four claw-feet, and gold beads hang from the lower edge of the box. This box may have been used to hold spices for the preparation of paan, a mild stimulant usually offered at the end of formal assemblies in India. Paan is made of shavings of areca nut, various seeds and spices, lime paste and occasionally tobacco wrapped in a betel leaf. This box is part of a courtly set of eleven items that was presented to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales during his four-month tour of India. When the Prince returned from his lengthy tour, he organised for his gifts from India to be exhibited in various locations across Britain, and Paris and Copenhagen. This gold set was particularly commended for its design in reviews of the Prince's gifts
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, Maharaja of Mysore.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold
Measurements
7.6 x 11.7 x 7.8 cm (parts .a and .b together)
Place of Production
Mysore [Karnataka]