This ornately decorated silver box from Bhutan was used to store betel. It consists of two parts: The top is richly chased with filigree floral motifs, while the bottom is engraved with the eight-spoked wheel of life. A ring could be passed through two opposite eyelets on the top and bottom to attach the box to the belt.
The piece probably dates from the 19th century and has a beautiful patina as well as signs of use and old repairs. The box was originally gilded - remnants of the gilding can still be seen in the deeper layers. It comes from a collection of Himalayan jewelry and antiques.
Dimensions:
In Bhutan, chewing betel nuts, also known as areca nuts, is a deeply rooted tradition. The nuts are processed together with lime and betel pepper leaves to make a mixture called "Doma", which is consumed on both social and religious occasions. The lime, obtained from shell limestone or burnt limestone, enhances the effect of the betel nut.
| age | Wrist circumference |
|
Newborn |
9 - 12 cm |
|
6 months - 3 years |
12 - 14 cm |
|
4 - 10 years |
14 - 15 cm |
|
Teenager, ladies (XS) |
15 - 16 cm |
|
Ladies (M) |
16 - 17 cm |
|
Ladies (XL) |
18 - 19 cm |
|
Men (M) |
18 - 20 cm |
|
Men (XL) |
21 - 22 cm |
| Ring size | Inner diameter | Inner circumference |
|
48 |
15,3 mm |
48 mm |
|
50 |
15.9 mm |
50 mm |
|
52 |
16.6 mm |
52 mm |
|
54 |
17.2 mm |
54 mm |
|
56 |
17.8 mm |
56 mm |
|
58 |
18.5 mm |
58 mm |
|
60 |
19.1 mm |
60 mm |
|
62 |
19.7 mm |
62 mm |
|
64 |
20.4 mm |
64 mm |
|
66 |
21.0 mm |
66 mm |
