Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Finish - Black Lacquer A very rare and beautifully

A very rare and beautifully painted Jain Book Box

both decorative and symbolic

the piece balances robust functionality with strong decorative presence

while traces of original lacquer and painted decoration remain visible along the edges and carved details—subtle reminders of its decorative past

Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Finish - Black Lacquer A very rare and beautifullyThis antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. They're used to shave slivers from the areca (betel) nut which was then mixed with spices and wrapped in betel leaves to make paan. Paan was a stimulant chewed for its psychoactive effects. This simple iron sarota dates to the 19th century. Many sarota were produced in Kutch, Gujarat which was a hub for production. They are fun to collect as they are so diverse