Is this an Incense burner?

Ok - everything in this estate I am handling appears to be from India, Taiwan, etc. The owner was a major executive with Pepsi then with Coke. Traveled and lived in the 70's/80's overseas. This piece is HEAVY! I have handled a lot of Chinese tripod censers but this one looks more Hindu? I thought it might be bronze but I am seeing some brass/gold underneath. Almost 5 inches in height, width 5.75 in, depth 4.62 in. Thank you for looking!

 

It is a brass betel nut box from India. No gold and no bronze.

 

Thank you. I figured the gold showing through was brass. Solid brass would explain the weight.

 

Yes, it is cast brass, which can be heavy.

 

Any, is there a reason why some betel nut boxes are ventilated, and others not?

 

That reminded me of something I've always wanted (an orig of course). Maybe in my next incarnation ?

 

a good question....
my 1st thought would be that the ones used for transport would be sealed, and the household ones would not.....

but that's just from viewing a 100 or so boxes......

 

Frankly, I have no idea. I have noticed the ventilated ones are Indian, that's all I know. But India also has closed boxes.
Closed ones keep bugs out, but there must be a logic behind the ventilated ones.

That could be it for Indian boxes. Betel boxes from other countries are (nearly?) all closed.

 

Does anyone have any idea as to the age? Thank you!

 

Hardly any wear to the feet and the surface is a bit rough, not worn smooth. So it was probably new when they bought it in the 70's/80's.