Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Wucai Porcelain It would originally have been

It would originally have been painted and the finish has since worn away leaving a beautiful rustic patina

and a sturdy chain to prevent the lid from straining its hinges

Chinese traditional medicine was stored in this fabulous antique apothecary chest

red elm or walnut

Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Wucai Porcelain It would originally have beenThis antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. It is an excellent example of quality workmanship on a utility item. The frame is inlaid with silver using a technique called bidriwork (called koftgari work in India) and it is hinged with a brass pin. Sarotas are used to shave slivers from the areca (betel) nut which was then mixed with spices and wrapped in betel leaves to make paan. Paan was a stimulant