Shan Lacquer Betel Box
Unusual Lacquered Betel Box & Base
Kengtung State, Eastern Burma
19th century
height: 17cm,
length: 28cm
This rectangular-shaped betel box comprises a cover and a base. The sides bulge and the top is slightly concave, giving the box the overall appearance of an over-stiffed pillow. The cover and the upper section of the stand comprises black lacquer over a bamboo base. The lower section of the stand comprises lacquered wood.
The cover is elaborately decorated with geometric swirling patterns. The lower section of the base has a row of lacquered spirals, and on each corner, is a moulded crow in relief, and with wings outstretched. The crow is thought to be associated with legends relating to the founding of Kengtung (Fraser-Lu, 2000).
The decoration is in
thayo work – a process whereby thin, rolled strands of lacquer and ash putty are applied in patterns.
The interiors of the stand and cover are decorated with orange-red lacquer.
Fraser-Lu (1994, p.247) identifies this type as coming from the Inle Lake area. The crows further suggest Kengtung. Kengtung was the largest and easternmost of the Shan states and was ruled by a prince from the Tai Khoen ethnic group. It has had a small lacquerware industry since the eighteenth century.
The box is in excellent condition.
References
Conway, S., The Shan: Culture, Arts & Crafts, River Books, 2006.
Fraser-Lu, S.,
Burmese Crafts: Past and Present, Oxford University Press, 1994.
Fraser-Lu, S.,
Burmese Lacquerware, White Orchid Books, 2000.
Isaacs, R., & T.R. Blurton,
Burma and the Art of Lacquer, River Books, 2000.
Singer, N., ‘Kengtung Lacquerware’ in
Arts of Asia, September-October 1991.
Provenance
UK art market
Inventory no.: 2990
SOLD
here
One of the four crows, at each corner of the base.