Burmese Lacquer Lahpet Tray

Lacquered Box & Cover (Lahpet-ok) for Pickled Tea (Lahpet)

Cylindrical betel boxes of red and orange lacquer are perhaps better known Burmese lacquer objects but in traditional Burmese homes, the pickled tea box (lahpet-ok) was just as ubiquitous. Pickled tea or lahpet was always offered to visitors; it still is.

This

lahpet-ok comprises a round, shallow box with seven lift-out trays and a lid. The central tray is for the pickled tea and the surrounding trays are for a variety of dried and roasted beans and nuts, slices of fried garlic, sesame seeds and small dried shrimps that are mixed with the tea and then eaten. The base comprises coiled bamboo which has then been lacquered. The sides and cover have been finely etched and coloured with scenes of a Burmese king and palace courtiers.Lahpet was and remains enjoyed after most main meals in Burma. It also had a ritual role: according to Fraser-Lu (2000, p. 94), small packets of lahpet were sent to relatives, friends and other acquaintances to announce special events such as a child’s name-giving ceremony, a wedding, or a son’s entrance to the novice monkhood. It is made by steeping fresh tea leaves in brine in earthenware jars for several days. The leaves are then drained, chopped and mixed with sesame oil.

This

lahpet-ok is in good condition with relatively few chips or scratches.

UK art market

Fraser-Lu, S., Burmese Lacquerware, White Orchid Books, 2000.