Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Material - Glass Lacquer pots such as this

Lacquer pots such as this were traditionally used in Rajasthan and Gujarat for storing jewellery or bindi powder

The carvings are original antique teakwood architectural carvings

making it a highly decorative focal point for any interior

four top drawers

Weight: 58g

Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Material - Glass Lacquer pots such as thisThis 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