Lacquered Intha Betel Box

Early 20th Century
$380 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 8.5" D: 8.5" H: 8.0"
Materials
Wood
Bamboo
Lacquer
Collection #
CFC518
Estimated Shipping
$20

In many southeast Asian cultures, offering guests a betel quid to chew was the fundamental symbol of hospitality. A blend of leaves, nuts, seasonings, and sometimes tobacco, betel was kept in finely worked decorative boxes.

Unlike typical Burmese betel boxes, which are cylindrical in shape, this betel box has a square form, indicating it was created by the Intha people of the Shan States. Crafted of finely split bamboo, the square box includes one internal tray and is raised by a flared wooden base carved with decorative fretwork. To create an even surface, the box was then coated with a mixture of lacquer sap and ash known as thayo. The black lacquer finish is contrasted by red painted decoration of floral medallions and simple geometric borders.

Additional Dimensions:
Tray: 6.5"W x 6.5"D

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