Indian Brass Paan Box From Kerala - 19th Century Material - Paulownia Wood This chest is made predominantly

This chest is made predominantly from keyaki (red elm) and is unusually heavy for a tansu

a region celebrated for its highly skilled lacquer-turning traditions

heavy stone vessels were valued for their durability and superb heat retention

these vessels often carried tikka ash or vibhuti which is used in the same way

It also contains an array of delightful compartments

Indian Brass Paan Box From Kerala - 19th Century Material - Paulownia Wood This chest is made predominantlyThis pretty little Indian brass box is from Kerala in South India and is often referred to as a 'vettile chellam'. It would have been used for storing components used in the chewing of paan. Paan is a preparation, which combines small parcels of betel leaves, areca nuts, slaked lime, and tobacco which are then chewed for their stimulant and psychoactive effects. Paan boxes are found across Asia and due to the wide variety of styles and designs, they