Oval Brass Jali Paandan Box - 1920

This elegant oval brass paandan box dates to the early 20th century and was traditionally used for storing paan leaves and the ingredients required for preparing betel quid throughout India. Beautifully handcrafted, the box features finely pierced jali work panels around the sides and lid, creating a delicate lattice pattern that allows airflow while showcasing the skilled metalworking techniques of the period.

Raised on four rounded feet and fitted with a hinged lid, carrying handle and decorative clasp, the box combines practicality with understated craftsmanship. Its warm aged brass patina and hand-finished details reflect years of use and lend the piece a distinctive character that only time can create.

Paan, a preparation of betel leaf filled with aromatic spices and other ingredients, has been enjoyed across South Asia for centuries as both a social custom and a symbol of hospitality. Boxes such as this would have been found in homes and courtyards, keeping the ingredients fresh and ready for preparation by the family or a skilled paanwala.

Today, this charming antique paandan makes a wonderful decorative object, trinket box or desk tidy, bringing a touch of Indian history and craftsmanship to any interior.

A comparable example is illustrated in Folk Art & Culture of Gujarat: A Guide to the Collection of the Shreyas Folk Museum of Gujarat by Jyotindra Jain (Figure 245).

• Origin: India
• Date: Circa 1920
• Materials: Brass
• Features: Oval form, pierced jali work decoration, hinged lid, carrying handle, decorative clasp, raised feet
• Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, patina and surface marks consistent with age and use
• Dimensions: W16 x D13 x H10 cm