Century-Old Aristocratic Brass Bedside Spittoons Ensemble (Pikadani Set of 4)

Remarkable and exceedingly scarce century-old complete graduated suite of four (4) authentic traditional brass bedside spittoons (known across Odisha, Bengal, and Eastern India as Pikadani, Pikadana, or Pana Phika Dani), cast circa late 19th to early 20th century. An indispensable accouterment of refined domestic hospitality and aristocratic leisure, these vessels were historically placed beside woven charpoys, carved wooden beds (Khatia), and salon divans (Baithak) to receive betel juice and spent paan quids during evening gatherings. This exceptional ensemble brings together four distinct historical architectural forms: (1) a tall patinated hourglass vessel with wide flared funnel lip, ring-turned waist, and spiral gadrooned friezes on bowl and bell base; (2) a magnificent scalloped spittoon with an undulating notched / serrated pie-crust funnel rim, spiral rope-twist chasing, and flared pedestal foot; (3) an elegant baluster-form spittoon with an arched funnel mouth and a central spherical knop deeply chiseled with diamond lozenge facets; and (4) a charming squat globular compressed-body vessel with an expansive sloping dish collar. Heights range from 5 inches (12.5 cm) for the compact piece to 8 inches (20 cm) for the tallest hourglass vessel. Today, with the disappearance of feudal paan salon etiquette and traditional bedside customs, authentic hand-cast and lathe-turned brass pikadanis have become almost totally extinct. Preserved in exceptional antique condition with diverse aged dark olive, golden-bronze, and natural patinas.