Antique Cambodian Silver Betel Box Lion Singha

This is a lion or singha. The lion is not indigenous to Cambodia and is often fanciful. It was brought from the West, probably to ancient Cambodia from China. The lion symbolises royal power and wards off evil. It is full of energy. The mouth is usually open with grimacing lips. Its barrel chest is covered with a mane.

There is a similar piece in The Musée de l’Homme in Paris, featured in the Catalogue: Le Bétel by Solange Thierry  on page 241. Also reference Rooney, D., Betel Chewing Traditions in South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1993.

This fine, well-modelled silver betel box is unmistakably Cambodian, and dates to around 1920. Shaped as a plump, dog-like lion, it separates into a bottom and a top half. It was used to store elements of the betel nut quid, a mild social narcotic.

It is of chased and engraved silver. The facial features, hair and so on are all well delineated.

The box has obvious age but otherwise is in good condition. It is signed on the underside by the maker.

Period - first part of the 20th century

Condition - Good condition

Measurement - Height 9 cm. 108 grams.

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