Antique Burmese Myanmar Thailand Betel Box Large Cinnabar Asian Nut Leaf set

Description

Burmese Lacquerware Betel Nut Box (Kun-It). This is an unique piece for enthusiasts and collectors of Asian artwork. Burmese artifacts are difficult to obtain.
These cylindrical boxes are made of lacquered woven bamboo and contains a fitted tray inside to hold the various items necessary to make quids of betel. The main lacquer is a deep cinnabar color. The boxes are covered with intricate designs of dancers and deities and beautiful scrollwork on the edges and filigree details throughout.
This item is in wonderful condition with surface cracklines and fading, but nothing serious, no missing part. These light damages reflecting the age of the items. In fact a 150-200 years old lacquerware can not be reserved in better condition if it has ever been used.
Dimensions: when assembled diameter 23cm ; 22.5cm hig
Incised lacquerware (yun-de) is a traditional artwork in Burma/Myanmar. The art form is called pan yun. Bamboo is cut in thin strips and layered & shaped, and then the surface is primed multiple times with lacquer. The lacquered surface is then engraved with a fine iron stylus called a kauk. The artist does not use a stencil or pre-made design; these incisions are freestyle and each piece is one of a kind. Palace scenes, scenes from the Jataka tales, and the signs of the Burmese Zodiac are popular designs. Objects are all handmade and the designs and engraving done free-hand. It may take three to four months to finish a small vessel but perhaps over a year for a larger piece. The finished product is a result of teamwork