Antique Indo-Islamic Brass Pandan

Dimensions: 24cm diameter, 19cm high.
Code: METAL 0221

Elegant Indo-Islamic tinned brass pandan (paan box) with an unusual domed lid from North India, probably Lucknow. This stylish pandan, which dates back to the late 18th century to early 19th century, has a lotus bud finial on the top of the Ottoman style domed lid, and a delicate fretwork clasp. 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. These pandans had no compartments inside and so were 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 particular container is perfect to store jewellery if paan is not on your menu and it is also a stunning decorative item.