Box - Brass

Antique betel nut chest or box (Paan Dan) with intricate jali pierced work – Brass/Bronze – India or North Africa – First half of the 20th century (or earlier)
Description
Interesting and decorative antique chest/box made of copper alloy (heavy brass/brass), richly ornamented on all sides. By its typology, structure and design, the piece resembles traditional Indian betel boxes (Paan Dan) or artisanal chests from North Africa, historically used to store spices, jewelry, or small valuable objects.
The chest stands out for its meticulous pierced work (jali technique), which allows ventilation of the interior and provides great visual lightness to the robustness of the metal. The top lid is profusely chiseled with repetitive floral motifs in the central panel, framed by a delicate perimeter frieze decorated with stylized fish representations or raised vegetal elements.
Main features:
Material: Brass / Cast and hand-chiseled bronze.
Functional details: Maintains a top mobile handle with a braided cord texture for transport, as well as the original period side latches and hinges.
Patina: Excellent natural antique patina that highlights the reliefs of the engraving and denotes the passage of time. It has not been polished to preserve its authenticity.
Condition: In good overall condition considering its age. It shows wear, marks, and the small logical irregularities of a wholly artisanal manufacture and its historical use, which gives it a unique character and great aesthetic value for collectors or lovers of ethnic decor and Oriental antiques.