- 139
A silver onion-form spice box (pandan), India, early 19th century
Estimate
15,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver
comprising three hinged sections, the base containing six heart-shaped compartments around a central lime paste container with a gilt floral knob, the middle section with dome-shaped top leading to a pointed lid decorated with leaves terminating in a detachable finial with integral lime spoon, accompanied by a letter from daughter of original owner, Mary Cunliffe, dated 4 July 1938
Provenance
Captain Ellis Cunliffe, September 1857
Mary Cunliffe
Walter Cunliffe 1927
Described in a letter from Mary Cunliffe to Walter Cunliffe dated 4 July 1938, Mowbreck Hall, Kirkham, Lancs: "The spice box was 'loot' from Delhi, I think the seige and capture was in Sept 14th-23rd 1857 and my father was Captain Ellis Cunliffe at the time & his regt. the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers"
Mary Cunliffe
Walter Cunliffe 1927
Described in a letter from Mary Cunliffe to Walter Cunliffe dated 4 July 1938, Mowbreck Hall, Kirkham, Lancs: "The spice box was 'loot' from Delhi, I think the seige and capture was in Sept 14th-23rd 1857 and my father was Captain Ellis Cunliffe at the time & his regt. the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers"
Condition
In overall good condition, as viewed.
"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."
"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
The box was used to store the pandan leaf used in the preparation of pan. Lime paste was mixed with grated areca nut and flavourings and the resulting mixture was rolled in the pan leaf to form a small parcel which would then be chewed. As well as being an integral part of Indian hospitality pan was believed to possess medicinal properties and was taken as an aphrodisiac. The present box, which was elaborately designed for this purpose, would have been taken out ceremoniously on special occasions.