Floral Bidri Paan Daan Box
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SOTHEBY's London- where ancient objects from around the world are auctioned and sold. This Bidri Paan Daan was one such in ancient design lost even in its place of birth Bidar, Karnataka, India. Traditionally Paan Daan box was used for containing betel or ‘Paan’. The practice of betel-chewing is a historical cultural phenomenon which has been endemic throughout the Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia and large parts of the Western Pacific. ‘Paan’, in Hindi, is a chew or ‘quid’ parcel of a betel leaf containing areca nut, which is sliced using a betel-cutter, and a lime paste. It is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects, and during the Sultanate and Mughal periods in India, the word ‘Pandan’ was coined to name the betel container.
This product is rendered by artisans of the Bidri Metalcraft, craft that was developed in the 14th century C.E. made by artisans from Bidar in Karnataka. The metal used is a blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver.
Check out our video on Reconstructing A 13th Century Object- The Bidri Paandaan Story
Cleaning Instruction: Apply few drops of coconut oil on item surface and clean with a dry cotton cloth. Keep away from water and exposure to moisture.