Pictures below showing an antique 20th century rare Straits Chinese / Peranakan solid silver five-piece betel nut (sirih) set, comprising of three lidded cembul, a betel leaf holder and a pair of nut cutter / nutcracker, each part featuring a beautiful chased design depicting animals, foliage and flowers.
The set is complete and in excellent condition, it comes with the original silver tray stand. This set is unique as it came with its original horse-shape nut cutter. Horses are associated to success, especially for business men. The body and the blades are made of steel, and the handles are sheathed in silver. Truly awesome and exceptionally well preserved.
Betel nut sets were owned by wealthy Peranakan households. Until the mid 20th century, it was customary to offer guests with betel nuts to chew, wrapped in sirih leaves as a welcome gesture. The more exclusive sets would also be displayed on various social occasions, among other proofs of the host affluence. This particular set once belonged to a wealthy Peranakan family from Penang.
This exquisite set is indeed a museum quality piece.
Do check out my other blogs about the betel nut paraphernalia.
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The set is complete and in excellent condition, it comes with the original silver tray stand. This set is unique as it came with its original horse-shape nut cutter. Horses are associated to success, especially for business men. The body and the blades are made of steel, and the handles are sheathed in silver. Truly awesome and exceptionally well preserved.
Betel nut sets were owned by wealthy Peranakan households. Until the mid 20th century, it was customary to offer guests with betel nuts to chew, wrapped in sirih leaves as a welcome gesture. The more exclusive sets would also be displayed on various social occasions, among other proofs of the host affluence. This particular set once belonged to a wealthy Peranakan family from Penang.
This exquisite set is indeed a museum quality piece.
Do check out my other blogs about the betel nut paraphernalia.
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5