- 293
A silver-gilt box, probably a pandan (betel box), perhaps Gujarat or Deccan, 17th/18th century
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Silver
of rectangular form with hinged domed cover, standing on four shallow feet, chiselled and incised with an intricate openwork arabesque of split-palmettes and rosettes, bordered by foliate bands and cypress trees
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This elaborately designed container was probably a pandan, used to keep an Indian digestive concoction known as pan. Pan is made using a rolled leaf of the betel vine which is stuffed with a paste made of chopped areca nuts, lime paste and aromatic spices. Chewed for its digestive properties across all classes of society, it was prepared with great ceremony using an array of utensils and stored in intricately designed boxes specifically for that purpose.
The consumption of pan was also favoured by the Mughal courts, who even established a household office for the sole purpose of regulating and organising the use of pan; this was the ‘Imperial Betel Leaf Drinks Department’. Depending on the importance of the guest, pan was prepared using anything from simply scented betel leaves with gold and silver leaf, to the use of expensive oxides of gold and silver, as well as pearls.
The intricate and elaborate design of this pandan, as well as the use of gold and silver, indicates a prestigious commission for a wealthy member of society. The delicate decoration points to a highly skilled craftsman who dedicated great care and attention to detail. Silver, which has never been mined in India, was (along with gold) traded at least as far back as 2000 years in exchange for spices. In Hindu spirituality, it is believed to be sacred and pure, meaning it can be ritually cleaned with ash, water and sand; it is thus the favourite metal used for drinking and eating vessels in the upper echelons of society.
The consumption of pan was also favoured by the Mughal courts, who even established a household office for the sole purpose of regulating and organising the use of pan; this was the ‘Imperial Betel Leaf Drinks Department’. Depending on the importance of the guest, pan was prepared using anything from simply scented betel leaves with gold and silver leaf, to the use of expensive oxides of gold and silver, as well as pearls.
The intricate and elaborate design of this pandan, as well as the use of gold and silver, indicates a prestigious commission for a wealthy member of society. The delicate decoration points to a highly skilled craftsman who dedicated great care and attention to detail. Silver, which has never been mined in India, was (along with gold) traded at least as far back as 2000 years in exchange for spices. In Hindu spirituality, it is believed to be sacred and pure, meaning it can be ritually cleaned with ash, water and sand; it is thus the favourite metal used for drinking and eating vessels in the upper echelons of society.