Indian Octagonal Brass Betel Nut Box - Circa 1920 Material - Satin Wood 125 x 46 x 88

125 x 46 x 88 (wxdxh cms)

5 x 163 (wxdxh cms)

and a sense of artisanal heritage

The wood usually comes from old Chinese doors or floors

combining durability with a simple

Indian Octagonal Brass Betel Nut Box - Circa 1920 Material - Satin Wood 125 x 46 x 88This beautiful Indian brass box was used for storage of betel nut & paan leaves in old Northern India circa 1920's. Paan is a preparation, which combines a paste of spices in a betel leaf, which is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. After chewing it is either spat out or swallowed. Paan has many variations. Slaked lime (chunam) paste is commonly added to bind the leaves. The skilled Paan maker is known as a paanwala in North India.