A superb Indonesian royal gem-set gold overlaid silver betel box
Probably Sumatra, 19th century, marked with initials HDL
The box is overall overlaid with fine openwork and hammered gold and on the lid it has an applique in the form of a crowned flower surrounded by laurel wreaths, with beneath a crescent moon and initials HDL.
H. 5 x W. 18 x D. 13 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, former Dutch East-Indies/the Hague
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 is overall overlaid with fine openwork and hammered gold and on the lid it has an applique in the form of a crowned flower surrounded by laurel wreaths, with beneath a crescent moon and initials HDL.
H. 5 x W. 18 x D. 13 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, former Dutch East-Indies/the Hague
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.
