Garuda-Shaped Indonesian Betel Nutcracker inuit this piece was purchased from

this piece was purchased from an estate in Newton

would be stunning on a desk

stoic ceramic bull has a presence much grander than its size

and became known for finely rendered

I've lately been having fantasies of a huge antique wooden desk with lots of surface for all sorts of old school desk accessories

Garuda-Shaped Indonesian Betel Nutcracker inuit this piece was purchased fromThis Garuda shaped Indonesian nutcracker, presumed early 20th century, would originally have used to cut pieces of Areca nut commonly referred to as betel nut, and actually a fruit in order to make chewing betel. A cultural tradition in Southest Asia practiced for thousands of years, a few slices of "betal nut" are wrapped in betel leaf, sometimes spiced, and chewed for their effects as a mild stimulant. At present, I think it certainly could still be