Lot 94
AN ELEGANT BRASS SPICE BOX OR PANDAN
NORTHERN INDIA, 18TH CENTURY
Auction: 10 June 2026 from 14:00 BST
Description
of circular from, the ribbed body and domed detached lid engraved with continuous vegetal motifs
Dimensions
10cm high, diameter 14cm
Footnote
This brass container, known as a ‘pandan’, was used to hold leaf packets filled with areca nut (betel nut), lime, and fragrant spices. Such containers frequently appear in Mughal paintings of courtly life and entertainment, where they are depicted in luxurious forms made from precious metals and hardstones like jade and crystal, as well as finely decorated base metals.
This particular example was produced in northern India during the 18th century. Crafted from a golden-toned alloy, it takes the form of a circular box with a domed lid. Both the body and the cover are shaped with vertical ribs, which are intricately engraved with scrolling floral designs.
For comparable examples, see M. Zebrowski, Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India, London. 1997, p. 272, nos. 466 and 468, and ; The Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number 2068&A-1883.