Bidri Pandan
India (probably Lucknow), 19th century
Zinc alloy with silver inlay (bidri)
15 cm diameter, 16 cm high
15 cm diameter, 16 cm high
A6173
Further images
A bidri betel box or pan dan with a domed lid on a shallow tray. This form, which is sometimes differentiated from other betel boxes by the term nagardan, is associated with Lucknow. This form is most commonly realised in silver (see Victoria & Albert Museum IS.1866-1883) or decorated with enamels (see LA County Museum of Art AC1993.137.1.1.-2), though there is another bidri example from Lucknow in the Victoria & Albert Museum (no. IS.915-1883).
Though Bidri is generally associated with its namesake city of Bidar, Karnataka, other centres of production, including Lucknow, emerged in the 19th century. Bidriware from Lucknow is called zarbuland, and features much thicker silver inlay and more raised texture than traditional Bidar work.
Though Bidri is generally associated with its namesake city of Bidar, Karnataka, other centres of production, including Lucknow, emerged in the 19th century. Bidriware from Lucknow is called zarbuland, and features much thicker silver inlay and more raised texture than traditional Bidar work.