TOBACCO BOX (CHELPA), RIBBED. CHINESE STRAITS, MALAYSIA, 19TH C. Straits tobacco box, or. Would have been used to store betel nut. When opened up, it is clear that the. Has been crafted using repousse techniques. This originates from Lower Perak in Malaysia, and dates to late 19. The lid of the box is decorated with flowers and leaves, a common theme of Chinese Straits silver. This is surrounded by a beaded border. Panels of flowers and leaves ballooning outwards which gives a heightened sense of realism to the piece. In between these panels, there are very thin strips of cut up silver. A nice texture to it and feel good to hold. On the back of the. There is a small loop. Affixed to the body. And through the small loop, there is a large ring. 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), RIBBED, 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: Flora