An Indonesian tortoiseshell betel or sirih box with gold mounts
Jakarta (Batavia), early 19th century
The box having pierced and chased gold corners, central ornamental escutcheon and hinges with long straps to the underside of the lid, the spiral loop handles centred by a flower.
H. 7 x W. 17 x D. 12.5 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, United Kingdom
The finely patterned tortoiseshell is more than half a centimeter thick at some points, which shows that for this prestigious box the materials have been carefully selected. Before settling down to business in the former Dutch East Indies, sirih had to be offered in the most exquisite boxes of gold, silver, inlaid with precious stones, ivory, or tortoiseshell. The costliness of one’s sirih box displayed one’s fortunes. Sirih or Betel boxes with gold mounts are rare because the gold was often melted down in times of dire need.
The box having pierced and chased gold corners, central ornamental escutcheon and hinges with long straps to the underside of the lid, the spiral loop handles centred by a flower.
H. 7 x W. 17 x D. 12.5 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, United Kingdom
The finely patterned tortoiseshell is more than half a centimeter thick at some points, which shows that for this prestigious box the materials have been carefully selected. Before settling down to business in the former Dutch East Indies, sirih had to be offered in the most exquisite boxes of gold, silver, inlaid with precious stones, ivory, or tortoiseshell. The costliness of one’s sirih box displayed one’s fortunes. Sirih or Betel boxes with gold mounts are rare because the gold was often melted down in times of dire need.
Part of the Indonesian Archipelago collection.
