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Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, 19th century CE. An antique cutter for slicing betel nuts (areca nut) cast from iron with 57% silver sheets overlaid on the handles and the surface lightly etched with curvilinear motifs. The 2 iron pieces are in the form of a dragon, and hinged at the head- the upper is the blade and the lower stabilizes the nut. Chewing on this nut is addictive, yielding similar effects to chewing tobacco, and this practice was immensely popular from the 17th century to 19th century in India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Africa. Size: 7″ L x 2.75″ W (17.8 cm x 7 cm); silver quality: 57%
Condition: Missing silver finial cap on one handles. Pitting surface wear, and abrasions throughout from age and use. Russet patina. Blade opens and shuts stiffly.
Provenance: private Miami, Florida, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010
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