Indian Octagonal Brass Betel Nut Box - Circa 1920 Material - Satin Wood and a sense of artisanal

and a sense of artisanal heritage

125 x 46 x 88 (wxdxh cms)

This decorative table lamp has been created from an old 19th century cart wheel hub

Features: Original green-painted finish

towards the end of Qing dynasty (1644 €“ 1911)

Indian Octagonal Brass Betel Nut Box - Circa 1920 Material - Satin Wood and a sense of artisanalThis 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.