Burmese Lacquer Betel Box, Burma

Large Lacquered Betel Box

Burma

circa 1900

diameter: 23 cm, height: 21.5 cm

This large betel box is decorated with red, green, yellow and black lacquer. It shows repeated courtly scenes – a king seated at with his ministers. Further elaborate courtly scenes decorate the tall sides of the base which are obscured by the outer cover, but shown in the photograph below.

Four panels of Burmese script provide a shop or brandname which translates as ‘Perfect Fifth’. There is also place of manufacture: ‘Bagan’, and mention that the style is the ‘Old Model’.

The box retains its two internal trays.

There are minor losses to the rim associated with age and use.

Inventory no.: 291

SOLD