A colonial gilt bronze sirih casket in amboyna wood, Batavia, early 19thC 11.5 x 23.5 x 17 cm. (4.53 x 9 1/4 x 6.69 in.)

拍品描述

A colonial gilt bronze sirih casket in amboyna wood, Batavia, early 19thC Rare Amboyna wood sirih casket, Batavia (Jakarta), early 19thC, richly mounted with finely chased fire-gilt bronze mounts. The rectangular box, resting on a moulded base, is entirely veneered in superb Amboyna burl with dense and highly figured grain, characteristic of luxury productions from the Dutch East Indies. The hinged lid is centred with an elaborate pierced gilt-bronze cartouche, surrounded by domed bosses and corner mounts, all finely chased with scrolling foliage and rocaille motifs inspired by European decorative taste. The front is fitted with an ornate escutcheon and original drop handle, engraved with stylised foliate decoration. The interior, lined with textile, retains its remarkable original gilt-bronze hinge and strengthening mounts of particularly elaborate design, typical for high-quality Batavian sirih caskets made for elite use. Such boxes were used to hold the implements and ingredients used to prepare betel (sirih), an essential element of social and ceremonial life in Southeast Asia.