Antique Burmese lacquer box- betel kit container

Description

Antique Burmese lacquer box- betel kit container
This cinnabar-colored three-piece lacquer box from early 19th century Burma has intricate designs incised in fine black lines on its hatbox-style lid, high-sided container and one trays. The tortoise shell design is interspersed with small circles, and the lid top is centered with a gold-accented drawing of a character in native dress. Cylindrical boxes such as this, called “kun-it,” were designed for storing and serving ingredients to assemble a quid, or chew, of betel, a mild stimulant that was also used to freshen breath. Nicely decorated kun-it were a key element of the hospitality process surrounding the chewing of betel, and this one made an impressive display when spread out on a low table so guests could select their preferred ingredients. This piece shows evidence of long use but the only damage is on a small area on the top .
It's sized approximately wide 9" or 23 cm by high 8.6" or 22 cm. and weight about 1.2 kg or approximately 2.66 lbs.
An item will be shipped by Thailand Post. It may takes 2-3 weeks or over depend on postal to arrive to a buyer.