Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Style - Fengweizun 'Phoenix Tail' Vases variations and imperfections consistent with

variations and imperfections consistent with age and handcraft

2 further drawers behind the locking door - bottom right - Meiji Period Late 19thC

Supplied fitted with wall hangers

Crafted from solid teak and iron

These charming carved stone lamp niches were normally used beside doorways with oil lamps or candles

Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Style - Fengweizun 'Phoenix Tail' Vases variations and imperfections consistent withThis antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. They're used to shave slivers from the areca (betel) nut which was then mixed with spices and wrapped in betel leaves to make paan. Paan was a stimulant chewed for its psychoactive effects. This simple iron sarota dates to the 19th century and pivots on a crude manifestation of a peacock head. Many sarota were produced in Kutch, Gujarat which was a hub for