A late 19^th century Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) unmarked silver betel box, Kandy circa 1890

Of cylindrical form with hinged lid. The sides with embossed frieze deities among organic foliage, between a border of intertwining scrolling rosettes above and a lozenge and pellet border below. The upper section with a lotus flower frieze. The lid with concentric bands of stylised flower forms and scroll work arabesques interspaced with ring and bead borders. The base plain.

Diameter – 10.6 cm / 4.15 inches

Weight – 213 grams / 6.85 ozt