A LACQUER BETEL BOX AND COVER, 18TH-19TH CENTURY Burma, 18^th-19^th century. Of cylindrical form, the lid lifting to reveal two removable stacked trays, finely lacquered in red, black, yellow, and chestnut with cartouches containing figural, floral, and foliate motifs, the interstices with patterns consisting of hatched lines, further with bands of scrolling vines and geometric designs.

Provenance: Ancient Dutch private collection, acquired in the 1900s by the grandfather of the present owner while exploring Tibet, China, and Burma during the late 19^th and early 20^th century.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with old wear, natural age cracks, few small losses. The top of the cover was professionally restored during the 1990s, by the person at the time responsible for all lacquer restorations at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Nonetheless, the box is in absolutely original condition with all original elements and lacquer from the period.

Weight: 1,119 g
Dimensions: Height 18.5 cm, Diameter 22.6 cm

Literature comparison: For a related Burmese betel box and cover, see Burmese Lacquerware, Sylvia Fraser-Lu, page 92, plate 5:4.