Betel nut box

Burmese Lacquered Betel Box (Kun-it)
Late 19th century, Bagan-Burma 
Dimensions: Ht 27 x Dia 35 cm 

This finely decorated betel box is lacquered in orange-red. The exterior of this fine betel box is decorated with 
fine engraving (yun) work. The top of the cover is decorated with a symbol of Hintha . The dense crowding of small figures 
a tight foliage scrolls is known as a yok let pagya pattern. The lattice structure that decorates the sides of the box in 
which all the motifs and symbols are arrayed is known as a gwin-shet design.

The box comprises the base and the cover. The interiors of the box, cover are in 
red lacquer. The box is in fine condition. There are minor losses to the edges here and there but overall, the age is 
obvious. The box retains its original. It was designed to hold leaves for the betel quid as well as receptacles that held 
the various other ingredients of the betel quid. The box is constructed from thin slithers of woven bamboo that have been 
lacquered and incised.