Horse-Head Motif Betel Nut Cutter

Indonesia

Late 19th - 20th century

  • Titles Horse-Head Motif Betel Nut Cutter (Descriptive)
  • Medium metal
  • Dimensions 6 3/4 x 1 3/4 in. (17.1 x 4.4 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of the Estate of Dr. Samuel Eilenberg, 2001.237
  • Work Type betel nut cutter
  • Classification Tools & Equipment
  • On View

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Nestled into mountains by the water are a complex of buildings devoted to silk production. Mulberry leaves are being harvested and dried. Cocoons are stored as they age and other activities are portrayed inside and outside the buildings.
relief, carved
Calligraphy on round fan
C9-This monumental pitcher from Calcutta has a body chased with stiff leaves below a band of figures dancing and playing musical instruments. The pitcher's handle is of particular note, formed by Vishnu's Matsya's Avatar, (a figure emerging from the mouth of a fish) and holding twisted and entwined serpents. Its upper body is adorned with zodiac symbols. Calcutta was an extremely cosmopolitan city, and, in addition to Hindu images, important Muslim, Buddhist, and even festivals are sometimes represented and intertwined in its historical iconography and art. The symbols of the zodiac are part of the Calcutta tradition that often crosses cultural borders.