Pan & Aerated Water Shop, Calcutta

A postcard that reflects how easily Kolkata mixed past and present at the turn of the century. Paan is an ancient cornucopia of spices and nuts wrapped in a betel leaf. Next to it are cooling soda bottles. Victorian lamps are bolted to thin bamboo poles. The mirror in the middle reflects an onlooker standing just outside the frame. The boy on the right is fanning his shirt. A lot of effort went into this moment.