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Silver Repousse' Betel Box, Laos browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Southeast Asian:Metalwork: Pre 1800: item # 172321 Please refer to our stock # 02-60 when inquiring.
Silk Road Gallery PO Box 2175 Branford, Connecticut 06405, USA (203) 208-0771 Guest Book SOLD |
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| The craftsmanship of this 18th century Lao repousse' box is typical of those items associated with betel nut chewing that were handed down from generation to generation. Relief designs on the container, made of 95% pure silver, are worn in areas of the lid and bottom where its owners would have handled it to offer betel leaves to guests as part of the socially important ritual of assembling and chewing betel. With its high sides and deep, close-fitting lid, the box was designed to keep the bright green leaves of the betel plant fresh to wrap areca palm nut and lime paste into a small packet or quid of betel nut. Containers for betel nut ingredients were an immediate indication of social rank, so families acquired the finest boxes they could afford. To make this box, a Lao silversmith hammered a sheet of silver into the shape of the container, which then was filled with a soft substance such as wax. The main outlines of the design were sketched in charcoal, then etched. Next, the low areas were punched, forcing them into the soft filler substance that at the same time forced out the areas designed to appear in high relief. During the process, the silver had to be returned to the fire several times to keep it soft. When the relief design was complete, a master silversmith used chisels and punches to give texture and artistry to the piece. On this box in particular it is interesting to contemplate the artisan creating it and then the many years it was used with pride. High relief areas have been nicely smoothed and rounded by repeated use. The lid has a small dent on the top surface and a small split on the bottom (see enlargements). Dimensions: height 3" (8 cm), diameter 4 1/2" (12 cm). | |||||||||
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