John J. Gredler Works of Art
Set of Four Silver and Bronze Inlaid Betel Nut Boxes
$3,945.00
Call For Location | 203-325-8070
A wonderful collection of four bronze betel nut boxes in various sizes with intricate and quite beautiful inlaid silver designs on all sides. These well made boxes are rectangular with chamfered corners, each with four interior lidded Chambers that held the nuts, betel leaves and lime. From the Maranao people, Southern Philippines. "Kings had special attendants whose duty it was to carry a box with all the necessary ingredients for a good chewing session. There was also a custom for lovers to chew the nut and betel leaf together, because of its breath-freshening and relaxant properties. A sexual symbolism thus became attached to the chewing of the nut and the leaf. The betel nut represented the male principle, and the betel leaf the female principle. Considered an auspicious ingredient in Hinduism and some schools of Buddhism, the betel nut is still used along with betel leaf in religious ceremonies, and also while honoring individuals in much of southern Asia." Circa 1850.
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CONDITION DETAILSAll boxes have minor scuffing from use. The smallest one has several minor old repairs, which attests to the value put in such boxes. They are quite solid, very well constructed with lovely surface patina.
John J. Gredler Works of Art
Set of Four Silver and Bronze Inlaid Betel Nut Boxes
A wonderful collection of four bronze betel nut boxes in various sizes with intricate and quite beautiful inlaid silver designs on all sides. These well made boxes are rectangular with chamfered corners, each with four interior lidded Chambers that held the nuts, betel leaves and lime. From the Maranao people, Southern Philippines. "Kings had special attendants whose duty it was to carry a box with all the necessary ingredients for a good chewing session. There was also a custom for lovers to chew the nut and betel leaf together, because of its breath-freshening and relaxant properties. A sexual symbolism thus became attached to the chewing of the nut and the leaf. The betel nut represented the male principle, and the betel leaf the female principle. Considered an auspicious ingredient in Hinduism and some schools of Buddhism, the betel nut is still used along with betel leaf in religious ceremonies, and also while honoring individuals in much of southern Asia." Circa 1850.
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CONDITION DETAILSAll boxes have minor scuffing from use. The smallest one has several minor old repairs, which attests to the value put in such boxes. They are quite solid, very well constructed with lovely surface patina.
