{"product_id":"products-antique-indian-paan-daan-betel-box","title":"Antique Indian Copper Paan Daan (Betel Box) with Carrying Handle | Mughal Tradition | Late 18th–Early 19th Century","description":"\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"nbbkz8\" data-start=\"505\" data-end=\"535\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"715\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"548\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Northern India (Mughal Tradition)\u003cbr data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"585\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"598\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-hammered copper with wrought iron fittings and interior compartments\u003cbr data-start=\"672\" data-end=\"675\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"686\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 18th–Early 19th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"rmw5tv\" data-start=\"722\" data-end=\"736\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003eThis exceptional hand-crafted Indian\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePaan Daan is a beautifully preserved example of traditional domestic metalwork from the late Mughal period. Constructed from hand-hammered copper with an elegantly domed body, the container features a robust swing handle, hinged lid, decorative locking clasp, and multiple removable interior compartments designed for storing the ingredients used in preparing paan (betel quid).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1617\"\u003eFor centuries, paan occupied an important place throughout the Indian subcontinent, serving not only as a daily refreshment but also as an essential element of hospitality, courtly etiquette, and ceremonial life. Offering prepared betel leaves to guests symbolized generosity, respect, and social refinement. Wealthy households often commissioned finely crafted paan daans such as this example, which combined practical function with decorative artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1935\"\u003eThe restrained elegance of this piece reflects the influence of Mughal craftsmanship, emphasizing balanced proportions, hand-worked surfaces, and durable construction intended for generations of use. The rich natural patina and signs of age further enhance its historical character while preserving its authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1d7mrtu\" data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"1953\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1955\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1nnw2b0\" data-start=\"1955\" data-end=\"1998\"\u003eAuthentic antique Indian copper Paan Daan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1rt7ezr\" data-start=\"1999\" data-end=\"2029\"\u003eLate 18th–Early 19th Century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"9vb2yn\" data-start=\"2030\" data-end=\"2065\"\u003eHand-hammered copper construction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"9f9iqb\" data-start=\"2066\" data-end=\"2114\"\u003eDomed hinged lid with decorative locking clasp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"9khyf1\" data-start=\"2115\" data-end=\"2138\"\u003eSwing carrying handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ot4b2d\" data-start=\"2139\" data-end=\"2202\"\u003eMultiple removable interior compartments for paan ingredients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1l7iq6a\" data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2248\"\u003eAttractive naturally aged patina throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"o2pptm\" data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003eFine example of traditional Mughal-period domestic metalwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1oxcnxa\" data-start=\"2318\" data-end=\"2342\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2684\"\u003eThe preparation and sharing of paan has been deeply woven into South Asian culture for well over a millennium. Traditionally consisting of betel leaf filled with areca nut, lime paste, spices, and aromatic ingredients, paan was enjoyed during celebrations, religious festivals, weddings, diplomatic meetings, and everyday social gatherings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"3113\"\u003eSpecialized containers known as Paan Daans were prized household objects, often passed down through generations as family heirlooms. Their craftsmanship reflected both the owner's social standing and the importance placed upon hospitality within Indian society. Larger examples with multiple compartments, like this one, allowed each ingredient to be stored separately while remaining readily accessible during preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"3335\" data-end=\"3347\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3766\"\u003eThe Paan Daan remains in very good antique condition. The hinged lid, carrying handle, locking clasp, and interior fittings remain intact. The copper surface displays an attractive naturally developed patina with areas of oxidation, surface wear, and age-related imperfections consistent with more than two centuries of careful use. These characteristics contribute to the object's authenticity and historical appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"ss9rkn\" data-start=\"3773\" data-end=\"3800\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3802\" data-end=\"3825\"\u003eHeight: 10 in  Width: 8 in \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1sbauwn\" data-start=\"3855\" data-end=\"3875\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"3895\"\u003eApproximately 200–250 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\" title=\"View Our Entire Collection of Functional Tools \u0026amp; Ancient Implements - Relic and Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools \u0026amp; Ancient Implements\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51185580212546,"sku":"NTQ-ND-PRS-MTL","price":350.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/Iantique-indian-copper-paan-daan-betel-box-front.jpg?v=1783180403","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/products-antique-indian-paan-daan-betel-box","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}