Central India
Betel-nut holder (paandan) c.1880-97
10.3 x 12.3 x 12.3 cm (whole object) | RCIN 70702
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Silver gilt betel nut holder or paandan. Circular body divided into six compartments, each with hinged leaf-shaped lid with handle in form of a peacock. The lids are secured by a gadrooned finial which unscrews. Paan is a mild stimulant usually offered at the end of formal assemblies in India and is made of shavings of areca nut, various seeds and spices, lime paste and occasionally tobacco wrapped in a betel leaf. The separate compartments of this paandan are designed to hold the individual ingredients used to prepare paan, and the hinged lids are shaped to resemble betel leaves.
Provenance
Belonged to Queen Victoria, 1897 Diamond Jubilee.
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Creator(s)
(place of production) -
Medium and techniques
Measurements
10.3 x 12.3 x 12.3 cm (whole object)
Category