Burmese Green Yun Ware Betel Box - Ca 1920

This is an excellent example of a Burmese yun ware lacquer box. These boxes were multifunctional and used both as tiffin boxes and betel boxes (kun it). This Burmese lacquer box has a typical form but with a less common green lacquer base. The scratchwork technique has been used to etch the design through an overlayer of black lacquer. It is decorated with foliate chu pan scrolls and the zodiac (yathi yok) fish. Perfect for a Pisces star sign. Often these boxes were political and the figure on the lid could well be a 'Mother Burma' figure, a symbol of the anti-Britannia movement. 

The box is made from split bamboo woven with horsehair and the lacquer work gives strength and durability. These boxes were made mostly in the city of Pagan. The set is comprised of nesting boxes. The lid is removed to reveal a series of lacquered bowls and compartments.

Betel boxes were used for holding betel leaves and other ingredients associated with the consumption of betel nut. 

All Burmese families prided themselves on their lacquer work. Because of the fragile nature of these boxes, many of these boxes were destroyed. This piece is in good condition with a few old dinks conducive with age. 

Dimensions:

12.5 x 12.5 x 12 (wxdxh cms)

References: 

For a similar example see Visions from the "Golden Land: Burma and the art of lacquer" by R Isaacs & T R Blurton - fig. 9

From Burma

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