A small Dutch colonial Indonesian tortoiseshell sirih or betel box with gold mounts
Jakarta (Batavia), 18th century, apparently unmarked
L. 14 x W. 9.5 x H. 4.7 cm
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.
L. 14 x W. 9.5 x H. 4.7 cm
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.
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_Origin: Batavia (Jakarta), early 19th century_ _Largest H. 5 × W. 10 × L. 14 cm_ Provenance: - Röell Antiques, Maastricht - Peter Petrou Works of Art, London - Private collection, United Kingdom
A Dutch-colonial Indonesian tortoiseshell sirih or betel box with gold mounts
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_Sri Lanka, 18th century_ _Diam. 12 cm_ Provenance: Acquired by descent by the previous owner _(by repute in the family since at least the late 18th century)_