Burmese Yun Lacquer Container

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 and decorated boxes. This round container was originally the lid to a Burmese betel box and is finished with bright red lacquer and intricate decoration. A lacquer technique known as "yun" ware, the lid is decorated with finely etched linework filled with gold pigments, now lightly faded from years of use.

Minor cracks and losses to lacquer finish.