Burmese Lacquer Betel Box, Burma (Antique)

Large Lacquered Betel Box Burma circa 1900 diameter: 8 inches height: 8 inches 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. Burmese lacquer betel boxes are a traditional hospitality item in Burmese homes. They are used to contain the ingredients for paan, which is a mixture of betel nut, lime paste, and betel leaf. The boxes are made from a mixture of Thitsi tree juice and ash applied to the surface of woven bamboo or wood. The process of making a multi-colored lacquerware item can take up to six months.