This highly decorative box is a betal nut box. The habit of chewing was relevant in the southern Philippines and much of southeast Asia. Wealthy Maraneo families on the island of Mindanao were able to afford an elaborate silver inlaid bronze betal box such as this rare much larger than normal example.
Such boxes were used to show off their wealth to household visitors where they would be offered betal nut and other components such as leaves and lime which were used to make up the betal quid or small package.
This rare box is unusually raised onto bronze wheels because of its large size and weight. It would be rolled along a table or a flat surface.
The main box comprises very elaborately inlaid silver panels on all surfaces, including the hinges. It has lifting handles at each end. When the lid is raised, it reveals a separate fitted inner box, also decorated with silver inlay on the lidded compartments, which would hold the ingredients.
This box has been well used and shows residues from use in the two outer compartments which would have held the betel nut and lime.
The silver for the decoration was produced locally by melting silver coins from the period.
The decoration is Islamic in its design probably representing the stylised tail feathers of the Sari-Manok bird as well as foliage and orchid blooms.
This rare and beautiful box is in very good original condition. And It has a lovely age related patina.
Height 13.5cm x width 24cm x depth 11cm
Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.
You
...can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.
All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.
Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.
Contact details
Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com
Telephone: 01905 622468
Mobile 07929 011224
07720 607007
Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk
Instagram: robertbelcherantiques
Antique Number: SA1102724
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
Height is 13.5cm (5.3inches)Width is 24cm (9.4inches)Depth is 11cm (4.3inches)
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