The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of August 16, 2022

Bidri Pandan with Chevrons

c. 1700

Part of a set. See all set records

Southwestern India, Deccan, Karnataka, Bidar​

Zinc alloy with silver overlay

Diameter: 15 cm (5 7/8 in.)

Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2020.206.a

Location

not on view

Fun Fact

The lime powder in <em>paan</em> functioned as an ancient antacid after meals.

Description

A pandan is a lidded vessel for serving paan, which has been enjoyed in India for more than two thousand years. Paan is betel or areca nut mixed with lime powder, aromatics such as clove cinnamon, or cardamom, and wrapped in betel leaf. The whole packet is chewed after a meal as a mild stimulant and mouth freshener.

Provenance
1968-1999
Dr. Mark Zebrowski [1945-1999], London, UK, by descent to his partner John Robert Alderman
1999-2020
(John Robert Alderman, London, UK, consigned to Francesca Galloway, Ltd. for sale)
2020
(Francesca Galloway, Ltd., London, UK, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
2020-
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Citations
Zebrowski, Mark. Gold, Silver & Bronze from Mughal India. London: Alexandria Press in association with Laurence King, 1997. Reproduced: pp. 233, 235, and color plate 514
Exhibition history

Life at court: art for India's rulers, 16th-19th centuries. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA (November 20, 1985-February 9, 1986).

Life and Exploits of Krishna in Indian Paintings (Indian art rotation). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 1, 2021-February 6, 2022).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2020.206.a