Bidri Betel Nut Cutter
MEDIUM
Silver inlay in iron
DATES
18th century?
DIMENSIONS
length: 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
ACCESSION NUMBER
2021.1.54
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of Dr. Samuel Eilenberg
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1998, provenance not yet documented; by 1998, acquired by Samuel Eilenberg of New York; 1998, bequeathed by Samuel Eilenberg to the Brooklyn Museum; April 6, 2021, accessioned by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Hinged two-part cutter used for preparation of betel nut. The handles are narrow and tapered while the cutting section is broader and flat with stylized profiles of two birds facing inward. The entire outer surface of the cutter is inlaid in silver in geometrical and floral patterns. This style of inlaying silver into other, darker metals, known as Bidri ware, was the speciality of the state of Bidar on the Deccan plateau.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
RECORD COMPLETENESS
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