Antique Brass Pandan

Dimensions: 15cm wide, 10cm deep, 7cm high.
Code: METAL 0421

Late 1800s to early 1900s brass pandan box from South India. The history of chewing paan dates back about 2,500 years and is still, today, a popular digestive in India, some also believe it to be an aphrodisiac. Paan’s beautifully crafted accessories elevate it to a level of ceremony in India, much like the Japanese and tea. The word pandan was coined during the Sultanate and Mughal period joining the Hindi word paan to the Persian suffix dan. This pandan has no compartments inside and so was probably used for serving ready rolled paan, which in its basic form consists of slices of betel nut mixed with lime paste wrapped in betel leaf. Most people will have a favourite paan mix that may include spices such as cloves, cardamom, anise and mint, and some also add tobacco. This paan box is made using the brass sheet repousse technique. It is perfect to store jewellery or other keepsakes, if paan is not on your menu.