TOBACCO BOX (CHELPA), BIRDS, CHINESE STRAITS, MALAYSIA, 19TH C. Chinese Straits tobacco box, or. Would have been used to store betel nut. It is of fair size. And feels good in the hand. This originates from Lower Perak in Malaysia, and dates to late 19. The lid of the box is decorated with long-feathered birds facing one another. The elegant necks of the birds have considerable detailing, as do the bodies. Their plumage soars high above them and glides along the border encircling. The lid’s centre. The lid features many borders. The one surrounding the birds is a thin, beaded border. The next border out is a repeating motif of either leaves or feathers, both common themes among Chinese Straits silver. After that is another beaded border, identical to the first, and the last border is another leaf border. This one, however, is different the leaves jut outwards like spikes. The body of the box is covered with diamond-shaped panels containing flower heads and sprawling leaves. Is blank and free of any design. The front of the box, there is a large ring attached. This would have been used to thread a chain through which would have been attached to clothing. This way, one could easily travel with. Their betel nuts without having to carry them around in their hands or pockets. Betel chewing became widespread across South East Asia and there was a great deal of paraphernalia attached to the habit with containers of various, sizes and shapes and special tools to cut the betel nuts. The containers were made of different materials, wood, lacquer and various metals, according to income and social standing. An extremely beautiful and expensive. A number of different. Containers to hold the various ingredients. Uld have been used to hold the. Set could only have belonged to a rich individual of high social standing. This is very good and. E with age and careful usage. Ome slight signs of wear and use, which do not detract. Please message me with any queries. Thank you for looking and dont forget to check my other listings for antique European, Indian, Middle Eastern. Quality silver, particularly antique items from Asia, India and the Middle East. If you are looking to sell, please contact me with details. The item “ANTIQUE SILVER TOBACCO BOX (CHELPA), BIRDS, CHINESE STRAITS, MALAYSIA, 19TH C” is in sale since Monday, May 14, 2018. This item is in the category “Antiques\Silver\Solid Silver\Boxes”. The seller is “argento-silver” and is located in London. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Product: Boxes
• Age: 1850-1899
• Style: Chinese Straits
• Composition: Solid Silver
• Pattern: Birds