Vintage Brass Betel Box Paan Daan Kerala Box Vetrila Chellam Indian Trinket Chest Jewelry Casket Spice Box with Original Key

Dimensions: 8 × 6 × 4 in (20.3 × 15.2 × 10.2 cm)
Weight: 2.37 lb (1,075 g)

A beautiful vintage brass Betel Box, traditionally known as a Kerala Box, Paan Daan, or Vetrila Chellam, complete with its original working key. Richly decorated with embossed brass fittings, riveted detailing, and a warm aged patina, this striking piece is both functional and highly collectible.

Traditionally, these ornate brass boxes were used throughout India, particularly in Kerala, to store the ingredients for preparing betel leaf (paan), including areca nut, lime paste, spices, and fragrant condiments. Offering paan to guests has long been a symbol of hospitality, making these boxes an important part of Indian cultural heritage and ceremonial traditions.

Today, this handcrafted brass chest makes an exceptional decorative accent or practical storage box for jewellery, watches, keepsakes, crystals, tarot cards, letters, coins, incense accessories, or other treasured items. Its timeless design works beautifully within bohemian, maximalist, colonial, eclectic, global, traditional, and antique-inspired interiors.

Whether you're an admirer of Indian antiques, collecting ethnographic objects, or searching for a unique decorative conversation piece, this authentic brass Paan Daan brings history and craftsmanship into any space.

Materials

Solid brass
Original working lock
Original key
Aged natural patina

Condition
Very good vintage condition with age-related wear, surface patina, and minor marks consistent with age and use. The original key is included and the lock functions well. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.