Name: Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century
Brand: Indigo Antiques
SKU: A4628V3
Price: 145.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19thC | Indigo Antiques

SKU: A4628V3 19th Century, from Rajasthan, India

£145 ^{Inc Tax.}

Dimensions:: W5 x D5 x H14 cm
Quality:: Every piece restored & checked in UK
: £7.50 (2-5 days)
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This antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. It is an excellent example of quality workmanship on a utility item. The frame is inlaid with silver using a technique called bidriwork (called koftgari work in India) and it is hinged with a brass pin.

Sarotas are used to shave slivers from the areca (betel) nut which was then mixed with spices and wrapped in betel leaves to make paan. Paan was a stimulant chewed for its psychoactive effects.

This simple iron sarota dates to the 19^th century. Many sarota were produced in Kutch, Gujarat which was a hub for production. They are fun to collect as they are so diverse and there are books published which follow their historical importance.

From India

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Restored in Our UK Workshop

Our expert restorers treat every piece with the respect it deserves.

Using traditional techniques and the highest quality mineral pigments, each piece leaves our workshop only after receiving the highest level of craftsmanship, precision and care.