A late 19th century / early 20th century Malaysian unmarked silver betel or tobacco box (chelpa), Lower Perak circa 1900

Of broadly spherical form with a shaped apron with scalloped edge. The domed sides with chased decoration of trailing foliage centred with a leafy fluted rosette, all edged with a quatrefoil border. One side with a hinged clasp, releasing the hinged lid, each with a serrated locking pin. The edge of apron with flat chased edging. A reeded suspension loop.

Diameter – 8.5 cm / 3.25 inches

Weight – 102 grams / 3.28 ozt

A silver lime container, with a domed lid chased with especially similar decoration including the trailing foliage, leafy rosettes and quatrefoil band is listed as originating from the Lower Perak region of Malaysia (British Malaya) in H. Ling Roth, Oriental Silverwork: Malay and Chinese, London, Truslove & Hanson Ltd., 1910, Fig. 34.