Chunadani – Container for edible lime

2009.550

Chunadani – Container for edible lime

2009.550

Description

The lime container is in the shape of a mango with a screwed stopper with Vyala or Shardula(a composite mythological leonine creature) decoration. When required the screw is opened which has a thin stick attached to it for taking out lime from the container.

Betel leaf eating is a very old Indian tradition having social and cultural importance.

The paraphernalia of preparing a Veeda (rolled or folded betel leaf with spices filled in it) includes a variety of containers like the chaufula or the spice box, Pandan or betel leaf container, and chunadanis or lime containers. The chunadanis were created in fascinating shapes earlier which now are reduced to simple boxes.

Karl and Meherbai Khandalavala Collection.

Collection

Indian Decorative Art

Object Type

Decorative Art

Material

Brass

Schools/Culture/Period

--

Technique

Mould Casting

Date

20th Century CE

Location

South India

Dimension

4.7 x 5.3 x 9 cms.