Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Style - Fengweizun 'Phoenix Tail' Vases These charming carved stone lamp

These charming carved stone lamp niches were normally used beside doorways with oil lamps or candles

Supplied fitted with wall hangers

with its rich patina and finely carved details

Crafted from solid teak and iron

Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Style - Fengweizun 'Phoenix Tail' Vases These charming carved stone lampThis antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. They're 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 chewed for its psychoactive effects. This simple iron sarota dates to the 19th century and pivots on a crude manifestation of a peacock head. Many sarota were produced in Kutch, Gujarat which was a hub for