Yun Lacquer 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 and decorated boxes. This round Burmese betel box is intricately painted and decorated with an etching style known as "yun" ware. The thick exterior finish of red and black lacquer was finely etched with dense linework and filled with gold and multicolor pigments. The cylindrical box includes one of the interior trays used to separate the quid ingredients. A beautiful display of Burmese lacquerware, the delicate box remains vibrant even after a century of use.

The original lid has been lost. Minor cracks to lacquer finish.

Additional Dimensions:
Tray: 8"Dia x 2.75"H