Petite Burmese Yun Betel Box, C. 1900

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Description

An exquisite example of Burmese artistry, this palm-sized container dates to the late 19th century and was likely originally used … Read more An exquisite example of Burmese artistry, this palm-sized container dates to the late 19th century and was likely originally used as a betel box (kun-it). A blend of betel leaves, areca nuts, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco, betel quid (paan) is a common medicinal chew throughout southeast Asia and was often kept in finely decorated boxes, either for personal use or to share with others as a social custom.

The petite box is decorated in the manner of 'yun ware' engraving, coated in layers of red & black lacquer and then hand-etched with an allover geometric pattern reminiscent of woven basketry or textiles.

The art of lacquer of Myanmar (Burma) is known as 'pan yun' and traditionally begins with a basic form of woven bamboo or carved wood. Layers of sawdust and lacquer resin (thit-si) gradually build up a smooth, polished surface and the addition of cinnabar achieves a rich, red color, a form of lacquer known as hinthabada.

Minor split to lacquer. See less