- Title
- Dispenser for Tobacco Essence (Kimam) and Betel Leaf Quids
- Date Made
- 19th century
- Medium
- Silver, repoussé
- Dimensions
- Length: 9 in. (22.86 cm)
- Accession Number
- AC1995.64.1
- Collecting Area
- South and Southeast Asian Art
- Curatorial Notes
A wide range of paraphernalia was made for use in preparing and serving pan, a ceremonial amenity and digestif made of cut betel nut, mineral lime powder or paste, sundry spices, and sometimes tobacco and even gold or silver foil all wrapped in a betel leaf (Piper betle), with the three-cornered prepared product known as a pan quid. Among the more unusual serving accessories was this rare type of jewelry, a Dispenser for Tobacco Essence (Kimam) and Betel Leaf Quids. Fashioned in the form of a mango with a peacock-shaped stopper, the small silver vessel is adorned with stylized acanthus leaves around its shoulders and lobed base. A decorative band of scrolling creeper encircles the waist. The dispenser hangs from a suspension hook and two chains. Several sets of additional chains dangle from side lugs. They terminate with more than two dozen hexagonal fittings mounted with prongs used to spear and display betel leaf quids.
This distinctive piece of jewelry would be worn suspended from the bodice of courtesans. A drop of tobacco essence from the dispenser was placed on the quids offered to their guests prior to consumption to enhance the flavor and stimulating effects. A modern cultural analogy to the
dispenser would be the “cigarette tray” formerly carried around in nightclubs or casinos to serve tobacco products to patrons of the establishment.
