Nutcracker (2) - Silver - Scissors (nutcracker)
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Selected by Surya Rutten
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Estimate € 250 - € 300
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Two 19th‑century silver areca-nut cutters (sarota) from Gujarat, India, each with curved blades and animal‑shaped handles (a horse and a peacock), measuring about 13 × 7 cm and 12 × 6 cm and weighing around 145 g each, in very good used condition with some aging, dating to c. 1850–1900, provenance Private Collection.
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Description from the seller
2 scissors/nutcrackers (Sarota) for areca nuts.
Gujarat, India, 19th century
Cast, chiselled and engraved silver. Blades in steel
13 cm x 7 cm and 12 cm x 6 cm
about 145 g each piece
Pair of tools intended for cutting the areca nut (betel), consisting of two curved-blade cutters hinged by a joint. Each specimen adopts a zoomorphic silhouette forming the handle: one depicting a stylized horse, the other a bird with a long tail, probably a peacock.
The bodies are richly ornamented with engraved and punched decorations. Feathers, hatching, geometric friezes, and floral motifs characteristic of Gujarat silversmithing. The blades, slender and slightly curved, fit discreetly into the composition, combining utilitarian function with ornamental quality.
These instruments traditionally accompanied the preparation of pān (a mixture of betel leaf, areca nut and aromatics) and could form part of a domestic or ceremonial kit.
Condition: Very good overall condition.
Provenance: Portuguese Collection - Kanaka The Collection
Shipping: Shipped with UPS / CTT with insurance and tracking
Possible to have a combined shipment with other items! Partial refund for the second delivery.
2 scissors/nutcrackers (Sarota) for areca nuts.
Gujarat, India, 19th century
Cast, chiselled and engraved silver. Blades in steel
13 cm x 7 cm and 12 cm x 6 cm
about 145 g each piece
Pair of tools intended for cutting the areca nut (betel), consisting of two curved-blade cutters hinged by a joint. Each specimen adopts a zoomorphic silhouette forming the handle: one depicting a stylized horse, the other a bird with a long tail, probably a peacock.
The bodies are richly ornamented with engraved and punched decorations. Feathers, hatching, geometric friezes, and floral motifs characteristic of Gujarat silversmithing. The blades, slender and slightly curved, fit discreetly into the composition, combining utilitarian function with ornamental quality.
These instruments traditionally accompanied the preparation of pān (a mixture of betel leaf, areca nut and aromatics) and could form part of a domestic or ceremonial kit.
Condition: Very good overall condition.
Provenance: Portuguese Collection - Kanaka The Collection
Shipping: Shipped with UPS / CTT with insurance and tracking
Possible to have a combined shipment with other items! Partial refund for the second delivery.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Gross weight
145 g
Title additional information
Scissors (nutcracker)
No. of items
2
Country of Origin
India
Dynastic Style/Period
19th century
Material
Silver
Provenance
Private collection
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Sold with stand
No
Height
13 cm
Width
7 cm
Depth
1 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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