FOUR LIME-PASTE (CHUNAM) CONTAINERS, INDIA, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

A. In cast brass with radiating brass ridges, a domed internal mouth and a suspension loop
B. Of spherical steel form applied with two openwork plaques of stylised floral form, a domical internal rim and elaborate trefoil suspension loop
C. Of flattened spherical form, possibly Tanjore, inlaid with brass palmette designs
D. Of brass in a plain angular waisted form, hinged at the centre and with a tall inverted internal rim

All with some wear and slight surface accretions. The steel example with some overall rusting. The inlaid example with rusting and some disruption of inlay and surface accretions, as viewed.
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Lime-paste, an essential ingredient for chewing pan, is made of crushed seashells or coral mixed with liquid into a paste. It helps to break down the leaf, acting as an abrasive, but needed a covered container to prevent the paste from drying out.

The spherical form is more commonplace than the larger, flat-bottomed example. The latter may have been intended for group, rather than individual, use, perhaps after a feast. Its flat base suggests that it was to be placed on a tray or table. It lacks a means of suspension that the other three have, again suggestive of static rather than peripatetic use. The three spherical containers are of various dates with the brass ridged example having been attributed to Deccan in the 17th century, though a later dating seems more likely. Another lime-paste container attributed to the Deccan is profusely decorated (Zebrowski 1997, p.276, fig.475a and b). The brass-inlaid example has also been dated to the 17th century and thought have been made in the Deccan. However, a very similar example was found in Tanjore and the date is likely to be later than once thought (Brownrigg 1992, p.129).