Tobacco & Opium Container From Rajasthan - 18th Century Planters & Wastepaper Bins 19th century from Rajasthan

19th century from Rajasthan

The vibrant red lacquer which is made from the sap of the Rhus verniciflua tree

referring to the Tibetan district of Lhoka

The pillars are carved with peacocks and flowing floral patterns

A similar example can be found on page 201 of "Chinese Furniture: A Guide to collecting antiques" by Mazurkewich (Fig

Tobacco & Opium Container From Rajasthan - 18th Century Planters & Wastepaper Bins 19th century from RajasthanThis is an excellent example of a Northern Indian tobacco box dating to the 18th century. These boxes are also called opium boxes. This particular box comes complete with its original iron scraper for accessing the dregs. Opium boxes were owned by wealthy Marwari merchants and caravan traders across Rajasthan. Opium consumption in Rajasthan would have been commonplace amongst wealthier Rajasthanis and these pots would have been used in conjunction