Deluxe Betel Nut Box Set, Maranao Culture, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). Two bronze rectangular boxes decorated with symmetrical silver inlay in the tendril vine pattern referred to as “the okir pattern”, a traditional design for the Maranao people. This is a large and heavy set with each box complete with wheels. The larger outer box has one hinged lid. The upright corners are chamfered. Striped bracket feet conceal the wheels underneath. Four large boss knobs hold the looped bronze handles. The interior box which fits neatly as a suspended tray within the larger box has four hinged lids concealing three chambers. One of these chambers is encrusted with slaked lime. The interior box is as dynamically decorated as the larger box on all four sides and the top. This aristocratic box set was used for the storage of the betel leaf, areca nut and chewing condiments.
Condition: Minor signs of age and use.
The outer box measures: 5-1/2 inches high x 11-1/8 inches long x 5 in. deep. (14 x 28.2 x 12.8 cm)
The inner box measures: 3-1/2 in. high x 8-3/4 in. x 4-1/8 in. deep.(9 x 22.3 x 10.5 cm).
13.6 lbs. (6300 grams).
Early 20th century.
Condition: Minor signs of age and use.
The outer box measures: 5-1/2 inches high x 11-1/8 inches long x 5 in. deep. (14 x 28.2 x 12.8 cm)
The inner box measures: 3-1/2 in. high x 8-3/4 in. x 4-1/8 in. deep.(9 x 22.3 x 10.5 cm).
13.6 lbs. (6300 grams).
Early 20th century.
Provenance: Private Collection, Bay Area, California.
For a similar example see: Casal, The People & Art of the Philippines, p. 156, fig. XIV. and Cynthia Ongpen Valdes, Betel Chewing in The Philippines, ARTS OF ASIA, Sep/Oct 2004.
Note: The exceptional quality of the silver inlay and uncommonly large size of this example indicate that its original owner was of high status. Both the interior, removable box and the larger outer box have wheels, another uncommon detail. This well cared for betel nut box set is a fine example of the artistry of traditional Mindanao silver inlay. The box would have been a treasured object in its owner’s household due to its quality and size, an indication of wealth and status.
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Dimensions:Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Width: 11.13 in (28.28 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
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Sold As:Set of 2
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Style:Tribal(Of the Period)
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Materials and Techniques:BrassSilverCast,InlayMetalwork,Polished
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Place of Origin:Philippines
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Period:Early 20th Century
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Date of Manufacture:Early 20th century
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Condition:GoodWear consistent with age and use.
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Seller Location:Point Richmond, CA
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Reference Number:Seller: TM-UH80232Seller: LU1778236805812
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