A gold octagonal box and lid chased with broad bands of chased floral decoration. The box stands of four claw-feet, and gold beads hang from the lower edge of the box. This box may have been used to hold spices for the preparation of paan, a mild stimulant usually offered at the end of formal assemblies in India. Paan is made of shavings of areca nut, various seeds and spices, lime paste and occasionally tobacco wrapped in a betel leaf. This box is part of a courtly set of eleven items that was presented to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales during his four-month tour of India. When the Prince returned from his lengthy tour, he organised for his gifts from India to be exhibited in various locations across Britain, and Paris and Copenhagen. This gold set was particularly commended for its design in reviews of the Prince's gifts