19th Century Brass Jewelry Or Betel Box With White Brass-Inlaid

Pictures below show a 19th century brass jewelry or betel box with white brass-inlaid in my collection. This large jewelry or betel box is made of thick gauge brass. At more than two kilograms, it is heavy for its size. Engraved with Malay, Islamic-inspired foliage motifs on the lids and in broad borders around the sides, the tightly fitting, hinged lid of this box is incised with swirling foliate motifs and stylised Chinese key-fret patterns that is common among Brunei brass ware. The lid is also tiered, rising to a rectangular cartouche which is inlaid with white brass typically Malay scrolling foliage designs, in keeping with Islamic sensibilities.

The box likely has its origins in Brunei or Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It was most probably used to keep jewelries or betel, a mild social stimulant that was chewed widely across Southeast Asia in the past.

The age of the box is readily apparent with its wonderful buttery patina.

Length: 26.5cm, Width: 14.5cm, Height: 10cm, Weight: 2.5kg

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