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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
The Himalayas and South-East Asia, Room 47a

Box

early 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Thailand (made)

This high quality object was used in courtly circles to contain areca-nut. It was chewed together with betel leaves and lime paste, referred to collectively as 'betel-nut'. Both boxes have been stained red with tamarind juice to give a warm red finish.


Object details

Categories
Metalwork
Eating
Ceremonial Objects
Object type
Box
Materials and techniques
Gold repoussee
Brief description
Repoussee gold betel box and hinged lid, Thailand, early 19th century
Physical description
An octagonal betel box with hinged cover, made of gold repoussee and stained red with tamarind juice
Dimensions
  • Height: 9cm
  • Width: 9cm
  • Depth: 9cm
Gallery label
BETEL BOXES Gold Thailand Early 19th century IM 49-50-1937 These high quality objects were used in courtly circles to contain areca-nut. This was chewed together with betel leaves and lime paste, referred to collectively as ‘betel-nut’. Both boxes have been stained red with tamarind juice to give a warm red finish. (1/10/2008)
Credit line
Bequeathed by Mrs R M Leonowens
Summary
This high quality object was used in courtly circles to contain areca-nut. It was chewed together with betel leaves and lime paste, referred to collectively as 'betel-nut'. Both boxes have been stained red with tamarind juice to give a warm red finish.
Associated object
IM.49-1937
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
IM 50-1937

About this object record

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Record createdFebruary 14, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O145249/box-unknown/
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