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Antique Maranaw silver inlaid betel box, beaded handle browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Southeast Asian: Metalwork: Pre 1920: item # 1082875 Please refer to our stock # MRN017 when inquiring.
Bundok Arts Queens, New York City Guest Book Price on request. |
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| An antique silver inlaid, brass betel box (locally called “lutu-an”) with an antique beaded handle from the Maranaw people of western Mindanao Island, Philippines circa the late 19th century or early 20th century. Made of brass, this rectangular betel box with blunt edges features the very famous Maranaw design repertoire of ferns, flowers, vines, leaves, and tendrils, called “okir” inlaid in silver. The floral designs are similar on the front, back and the top; opposite sides also have a similar pattern. Under the top lid, there are three hinged compartments to store lime, areca nuts, tobacco and betel leaves, which are the ingredients for a betel chew. This betel box measures 6 inches in length, 2.75 inches in width, 2.75 inches in height, and weighs 3.5 pounds; it is in very good condition. The small half-inch hole inside, between two compartments (a not so uncommon occurrence in antique brass betel boxes), does not affect the stability nor diminish the beauty of the box. There are some residues of slaked lime inside the rightmost compartment. The beaded handle, measuring 32Lx 2.5W inches, with an additional 4 inches long of tasseled design, also features floral and geometric patterns of variously colored small glass beads. | ||
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