Lacquered Intha Betel Box

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