Circa 1856 Balinese Brass Betel Nut Lime Container, Dutch East Indies

Details

Description

A superb antique betel nut and lime container, made of thick cast and hand chased bronze or brass
Two halves … Read more A superb antique betel nut and lime container, made of thick cast and hand chased bronze or brass
Two halves fit together, thick and heavy
Gorgeous floral motif ornamentation on both sides, deep detail
Iron chain connected to both
All handcrafted - the loop joints were made of punctured copper coins - Dutch East Indies (now, Indonesia) 1/2 Cents, both from 1856
Antique, mid 19th century, Balinese or Sumatran
The Areca (Betel) nut with Lime is consumed throughout the Asian continent as a mild stimulant, much like tobacco
Measurements: Approx. 3.25" diameter of the container itself, 2.4" together
Weighs just under 1 lb.
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos below. All original. Superb patina. Lime residue inside. Some lead solder from long ago, most likely to fill cavities in the cast due to the primitive manner of production See less