A LIDDED BRONZE BETEL NUT CONTAINER, 14th – 16th CENTURYThailand, 14th to 16th century. Of globular cylindrical shape with the cover tapering upwards to a stepped finial.Condition: Good condition with traces of age and wear, few miniscule losses, some verdigris, signs of erosion, as well as white betel residue to the interior. Provenance: Gabriele Romiti collection, Italy. Weight: 200.7 g Dimensions: Height 11.5 cmThis kind of containers held slaked lime made from seashells or quarried limestone, mixed with water to make the betel nut mixture which was chewed to give a feeling of euphoria. The chewing of betel nuts has been a part of Indian and Southeast Asian culture for hundreds of years and is practiced by individuals and used in social occasions and official ceremonies.Literature comparison: Several related nut containers are in the Museo Nazionale d´Arte Oriental, Rome, inv. n. 17501/25819 or 17488/25806.