Indian Brass Paan Box From Rajasthan - Early 20thC Material - Porcelain The aged surface and textured

The aged surface and textured patina enhance its sculptural presence

and represent the happily married bride and groom

This vintage painted Chinese trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century

42 x 18 x 9 (wxdxh cms)

Indian Brass Paan Box From Rajasthan - Early 20thC Material - Porcelain The aged surface and texturedThis pretty antique Indian brass box was used for the storage of paan leaves and dates to the early 20th century. 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.