Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Java, 19th century CE. An antique nut cutter cast from iron with silver inlays, in the shape of a mythical dragon creature. The 2 iron pieces are hinged at the head- the upper is the blade and the lower stabilizes the nut- and two handles taper outwards. This unusual tool was used for cutting open the betel nut (areca nut). Chewing on this nut is addictive, yielding similar effects to chewing tobacco, and this practice was immensely popular from the 17th century to 19th century in India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Africa. Fancy nut crackers were elegant status symbols but at the same time symbolized tooth loss and gum decay from long term betel use - these tools became necessary for those who could no longer chew the nut on their own! Size: 7.75" L x 3" W (19.7 cm x 7.6 cm); silver quality 5% to 10%

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#178678

  • Condition: Surface pitting and abrasions to surface. Heavy patina and wear from age, use, exposure to elements. Losses to silver inlay. Hinge is attached and blade articulates.

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August 25, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000