This recipient is part of the betel-set that keeps the ingredients for betel chewing, a mild stimulant which originated in India more than 2000 years ago. Shavings of the areca nut are mixed with lime paste and spices and wrapped in a piper vine leaf. The offering of betel to visitors was an act of hospitality throughout Southeast Asia

This Javanese betel leaves container of high silver content is incised with floral scrolls surrounding a Kraton (palace) etched within a double roundels. The top part is plain with scalloped motif. Betel leaves holder of this style is usually from Jogyakarta and Solo.

Indonesia

This container is finely chased and embossed by Thai Chinese silver smiths as indicated by the hallmarks found on each side of the base punctuated with four tiny holes for water drainage. Hordes of these holders disappeared from the market in the mid 80's when they became popular as napkin holders. It is a rare thing today as this tradition of betel chewing has died out and the younger generation would not have a clue of its function and existence.

This is a lighter and smaller opened work(pierced)silver betel leaves container from Thailand. It does not have any holes or hallmark on the base since the design is pierced. The absence of a hallmark is probably due to its mediocre workmanship.

An unusual gilded betel leaf holder made by Wang Hing silver shop that existed in Hong Kong from 1880's - 1930's. The western hallmark consist of the initials WH , a chinese character of the silver smith and its silver content of 90 percent. It is painstakingly chased and chiseled with the four seasons floral motif which is commonly seen on silver wares of the Baba Nyonyas in Indonesia.

The betel leaves are inserted through the openings of these holders for straining excess water from washing. Though no longer existing today these are made by local smith in Indonesia. Floral scroll and birds are depicted on two of the four pieces. The sightly copper hue is due to its silver content of around 60 percent.