19th C. Indonesian Iron & Silver Betel Nut Scissor

**Originally Listed At $175**

Southeast Asia, Indonesia, ca. 19th century CE. A set of scissors known as a kalakati (also Pinang scissor) used specifically for breaking open the shell of the betel nut (also areca nut). The two slender handles that operate the tool have iron bodies that are wrapped with sheets of high-grade (92%) silver. The iron blade halves depict a majestic steed with a billowing mane, a bushy tail, and a raised head with perky ears and a tapered snout. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 7.75" L x 2.9" W (19.7 cm x 7.4 cm); quality of silver: 92%.

Provenance: private Little Rock, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Don Christensen collection, acquired in the 1960s and 1970s

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#155781
Condition Report: Slight bending to overall form of horse body and handles, with minor abrasions and chips to handles, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout. Old inventory label on verso.