19th century betel container, from Maharashtra. The shape is octagonal, with a flower and foliage design in the repoussé technique. There are five compartments inside, one heart shaped, two octagonal on each side, two oval at the front. The largest one is for the spices and the lime, the others for the ground areca nut. The compartments may be removed and betel leaves put underneath. There is a hasp at the front which locks the box. On top of the box, there is an arch shaped decorated handle and two large chiselled knobs at each side of the handle.

The lids of the compartments have the same decoration as the container.