$195
Details
An exceptional Early 19th-century North Indian hand-cast bronze and iron betel nut cutter (Sarota), featuring a beautifully stylized horse finial, intricate tribal geometric chiseling. This rare functional artifact represents a captivating intersection of traditional South Asian hospitality rituals and master metalsmithing. For centuries across India, the preparation and offering of paan (a mixture of crushed areca nut, slaked lime, and spices wrapped in a betel leaf) was a central social etiquette. Because the dried areca nut is notoriously wood-hard, heavy-duty levered cutters like this one were required to slice it into thin wafers. Designed as a status symbol to be brought out in front of guests, the upper pivoting handle is sculpted as a dynamic, cresting horse or composite celestial creature (Yali) cast in an elegant S-curve profile with alert ears and a high, architectural mane. Over generations of domestic handling, the heavy alloy has developed a stunning, completely un-polished tarnish with rich charcoal undertones and deep oil-rubbed bronze recesses. This piece carries exceptional historic storytelling, making it a stellar conversational curiosity to style open on a stone vanity tray, a modern mantle vignette, or displayed on a custom desktop stand. Specifications Material: Hand-cast solid bronze / dense copper alloy and iron Dimensions: 2" W x 0.25" D x 8" H Origin: Early 19th century; North Indian betel nut ritual tradition (Sarota/paan); cast bronze and iron, India Era: Antique (early 19th century) Condition: Stable unrestored; complete unbroken hinge; deep natural oxidation; charcoal tarnish Special Detail: Horse/Yali finial; functional hinged iron lever; tallest Sarota in series at 8" H; tribal geometric chiseling on blade
Availability: available. Confirm availability and shipping with the dealer.
