Hutton-Clarke Antiques is pleased to offer this finely worked Indian brass paan dan, dating to the 19th century.
Beautifully crafted, the box is octagonal in form and decorated throughout with intricate chasing and pierced patterns, demonstrating the high level of skill employed by Indian metalworkers of the period. The lid retains its original shaped handle and the front is fitted with the original hasp, all showing an attractive, untouched patination.
Traditionally, such boxes were used for storing paan leaves and condiments—an important part of Indian social and cultural life. Beyond its practical function, the elaborate decoration reflects the importance of paan in daily rituals and hospitality.
A fine example of 19th-century Indian craftsmanship, combining both utility and artistry, and now making a decorative antique.
Height 11 cm , width 21 cm , depth 14 cm
Paan is a preparation, which combines a paste of spices in a betel leaf, which is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects.  After chewing it is either spat out or swallowed. Paan has many variations. Slaked lime (chunam) paste is commonly added to bind the leaves. The skilled Paan maker is known as a paanwala in North India.