Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Material - Glass The simplicity of its construction

The simplicity of its construction highlights the beauty of the timber itself — visible grain

Made from sustainable mango wood

Because of the fragile nature of these boxes

The bone inlay is done by hand and then carved

Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Material - Glass The simplicity of its constructionThis antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. It is an excellent example of quality workmanship on a utility item. The frame is inlaid with silver using a technique called bidriwork (called koftgari work in India) and it is hinged with a brass pin. Sarotas are used to shave slivers from the areca (betel) nut which was then mixed with spices and wrapped in betel leaves to make paan. Paan was a stimulant