Lot 256. A large gem-set carved jade pandan, India, 19th century; 6cm. height. 14cm. max. diam. Estimate 40,000 — 60,000 GBP. Lot sold 50,000 GBP. Photo Sotheby's.

of octagonal form with slightly domed lid, carved with eight faceted sides and raised chevron borders, flowerhead to centre, decorated in the kundan technique with diamonds and rubies, underside with carved stylised flowerhead, in custom velvet-lined box.

Note: This pandan box was designed for the chewing of pan, which involves the mixing of thin slices of the nut of the areca palm with lime paste enveloped in a fresh leaf of the betel tree (Zebrowski 1997, p.263). The associations of the habit with a leisurely lifestyle imbued it with connotations of courtly life. In a miniature of 1570, depicting the Sultan of Ahmadnagar, the use of pan seems to be used as emblemmatic of royal status (Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, inv.no.Supplément persan 1572, fol.26). In a relatively large container such as this, with no internal divisions, it is assumed that its purpose was the storage of the unassembled materials for betel chewing. 

Sotheby's. Arts of the Islamic World, London, 19 Oct 2016, 11:30 AM