AN 18TH CENTURY INDIAN GOLD PANDAN OR BETEL NUT BOX, of lobed square form and divided in to four lidded compartments with three of these still containing a betel nut, the central finial shaped as a peacock amidst flowers and foliage and unscrewing to allow the four hinged lids to open, surrounded by eight further smaller birds each holding a pearl hanging from their beaks, the lids and sides pierced with floral and foliate openwork decoration, the based engraved over all as a large single flower, 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 320 grams approx. One hinge with partial loss. Tested as 22 carat plus.
From the Tipu Sultan collection acquired by Major Thomas Hart after the siege of Seringapatam.