Betel Box, Pagan (bagan) Region, Burma (myanmar), Late 19th – Early 20th Century

Covered circular box with three internal compartments, the whole finely decorated with incised engraving. The lid is adorned with a narrative decoration representing stylized figures in ritual or court situations. The external walls feature continuous friezes mixing real and fantastic animals, dancing figures and stylized vegetation. The base is structured by regular horizontal moldings. The interior of the compartments is covered with uniform red lacquer. The whole is in good general condition of preservation. Light wood lacquered using the traditional Yun technique, vegetable lacquer (thitsi) applied in several layers, polished then incised with patterns filled with black and red pigments. Burmese culture, Pagan (Bagan) region, Burma (Myanmar), late 19th – early 20th century. Dimensions: diameter: 25 cm and height: 22 cm Provenance: Former collection of a geographer from the south of France, constituted in the years 1960–1980. Sold with certificate of authenticity, invoice on request. Guaranteed origin and period Historical or cultural context: "This traditional hsun-ok or kun-it box was used to contain and present ritual offerings or foodstuffs during Buddhist religious ceremonies. The incised lacquer technique (shwezawa) is typical of the Pagan region, the historic center of lacquer production in Burma. The decoration, made by fine incision in superimposed layers of black and red lacquer, reflects a codified art combining religious symbolism, mythological figures and scenes of spiritual life." * Shipping costs on estimate.