http://collection.shangrilahawaii.org/internal/media/dispatcher/44074/fullEnamelled Gold Quatrefoil-Shaped Covered Box with Floral Motifs19th centuryOverall: 4 3/8 x 4 3/8 x 1 3/4 in. (11.1 x 11.1 x 4.4cm)Enameled goldCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art44.15a-b1This quatrefoil, enameled box is decorated with red flowers on a white ground with green stems and leaves radiating from its central finial. The bottom is covered in translucent green enamel etched with a central eight-petaled flower surrounded by radiating leaves.
Compartments within this box were designed to contain the ingredients for the preparation of a mild stimulant called paan. This mixture of areca palm nut, cardamom, clove, and chuna (lime paste) was a delicacy consumed at the Mughal court.Metalwork11.11252222504.44500889001645623873