Vintage brass deer-shaped lidded box with engraved detailing, front view.
Side view of a vintage brass deer-shaped lidded box featuring engraved floral and geometric patterns.
Vintage brass deer lidded box shown open, revealing its interior and hand-engraved exterior detail.
Vintage brass deer-shaped lidded box styled on a stack of books with decorative objects, showcasing its character and patina.
Vintage brass deer-shaped lidded box with engraved detailing, front view.
Side view of a vintage brass deer-shaped lidded box featuring engraved floral and geometric patterns.
Vintage brass deer lidded box shown open, revealing its interior and hand-engraved exterior detail.
Vintage brass deer-shaped lidded box styled on a stack of books with decorative objects, showcasing its character and patina.

Vintage Handmade Brass Deer Shaped Betel Nut Box

$145.00

Oh gosh, haven’t I gone down a rabbit hole trying to learn about this rustic, totally handmade and stunning piece of brass shaped as a deer - or is it a stag? I am in no way an expert but I do know it is likely from Burma or perhaps Cambodia and would have been used to store betel nuts for chewing.

It’s age… as it is totally handmade there is no evidence of any machine based work on this deer, even the welding is rudimentary, and the colour of the brass would indicate a long and loved life we could place it earlier than the 1950s. It could even potentially be from the late 1800s, early 1900s, but for now that will remain a mystery known only to the deer. Herein lies some of its charm, don’t you love the wonder and intrigue these delightful pieces bring?

But what I do know, this piece is spectacular and needs a place where it can rest proudly and gracefully. Total respect for the craftsman who made it, it deserves to be forever admired.

Oh gosh, haven’t I gone down a rabbit hole trying to learn about this rustic, totally handmade and stunning piece of brass shaped as a deer - or is it a stag? I am in no way an expert but I do know it is likely from Burma or perhaps Cambodia and would have been used to store betel nuts for chewing.

It’s age… as it is totally handmade there is no evidence of any machine based work on this deer, even the welding is rudimentary, and the colour of the brass would indicate a long and loved life we could place it earlier than the 1950s. It could even potentially be from the late 1800s, early 1900s, but for now that will remain a mystery known only to the deer. Herein lies some of its charm, don’t you love the wonder and intrigue these delightful pieces bring?

But what I do know, this piece is spectacular and needs a place where it can rest proudly and gracefully. Total respect for the craftsman who made it, it deserves to be forever admired.

  • Height: 18cms
    Length: 23cms
    Date: Circa 1950s (although could be earlier)
    Origin: Likely Burmese (Myanmar) but could also be Cambodian, Thai or Indian.

    It is handmade from brass with some welding around the neck. It is covered in a fully hand-tooled decoration of floral and linework patterns.

    It separates into two pieces to form a lidded container for holding items.

  • The condition, considering its age is extremely good. Because it is handmade there are visible welding marks around the neck.

    The container fit is slightly misaligned and cannot close with a perfectly even seam although this is a likely result of its hand-formed construction.

  • You can’t go wrong with a handmade, rustic brass object as it brings warmth and personality to any interior.

    I see him as a beautiful display piece but also don’t overlook that perfect little spot by the door for holding small essentials like the spare key.

    He was hand crafted to keep precious items safe, why change that now?