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Item Report
Folk Art Brass Bird-Shaped Betel Nut Box
By:Unknown artisan
Style:Folk Art Decorative Metalwork
Origin:India or Pakistan
Materials:Brass
Age:Circa 1950-1970
Condition:Very good (surface oxidation and marks from age, latch intact, light wear visible)
Value:$60–$120 (auction estimate)
Maker's Marks / Writing:No visible maker’s mark or inscription in the provided image.
Date:2025-07-02 16:29:20.304067
Description:
A vintage brass container fashioned in the stylized form of a bird, likely a duck or pigeon. The lid is hinged and the container latches at the front, with engraved linear feather details on its body. Such pieces are traditionally handcrafted in South Asia, especially in India and Pakistan, where they are used as betel (paan) nut boxes. The overall form and construction suggest mid-20th century origins, created both for daily use and as a decorative object.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A charming and practical example of South Asian folk brasswork, this bird-shaped box is typical of vintage betel nut or spice containers. Condition and patina indicate age-appropriate wear, and the naive, schematic detailing is characteristic of mid-century handcrafted pieces. Not rare but collectible, especially among those interested in ethnographic or decorative folk art objects.
Individual Images:
Single image shows patina
latch style
hinge construction
and schematic feather engravings—all reinforcing a hand-crafted
non-industrial origin typical of the region and period.
Provenance:
No provenance information provided.
Condition:
Very good (surface oxidation and marks from age, latch intact, light wear visible)
Identification Score: 95%
The form, material, and construction are highly indicative of South Asian betel nut boxes, with nearly all attributes aligning to this category. Folk-art containers of this type are both well-documented and recognizable.
Authenticity Score: 80%
The execution, wear, and patina appear consistent with mid-20th century hand-crafted brass items from South Asia. No obvious signs of modern reproduction are apparent in this photo. However, without interior images or further close-ups, an absolute score is withheld.
Image Memory Note
Brass bird box, South Asian origin, latch and oxidization visible. No apparent maker's marks.
Keywords
brass, bird-shaped box, betel nut box, folk art, India, Pakistan, vintage, mid-century, decorative container
The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.
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