Silver Hinged Half Circle Betel Box, Laos
December 2012 Auction by Far East Asian Art

Unusual because of its shape and hinged lid, this 18th century silver container from Laos was used to carry an ingredient--probably a spice--for assembling a quid of betel. The utensils used in betel chewing are among the finest works of art from the southeast Asian countries where betelnut was an important part of the culture. Betel containers demonstrate interesting differences in aesthetic preferences among countries and groups within countries...