Container for Betel Leaves and Condiments

This peacock shaped brass container for betel leaves and condiments has two main compartments- the one in the bird’s belly has four cavities with lids in which lime, katechu, cardamom, cloves, pounded tobacco leaves etc are stored. The tale of the bird forms the second compartment having a flap lid hinged at one end, which is used for storing betel leaves. The neck and the legs of the bird are bronze cast.
The conventional betel containers were generally round or hexagonal boxes often having perforated lids for the circulation of air which kept the leaves fresh. However some fancy examples such as this one were specially made to suit individual taste. Early 20th century saw proliferation of betel boxes in the form of silver motor cars especially among the royal and aristocratic patrons.