Burmese Pierced & Chased Silver Betel Box & Stand

This fine Burmese betel box i high-grade silver comprises the box with a separate lid, and a dramatic stand with six feet. The box, cover and stand are made from finely chased silver that has also been pierced all over. The degree of piercing is quite remarkable – each small opening was achieved with a file. (The base of the stand is not pierced and is of plain, hammered silver.)

The overall decoration is of floral and leafy scrollwork.

The six feet on the stand are in the form of solid-cast Burmese lions with flaming tails (chinthe) as is the finial on the cover.

Extravagant sets such as this were reserved for the wealthy and the aristocratic. They were used to display wealth in the family home and also to adorn the wedding dais.

A lesser example is illustrated in Rooney (1993, illustration 22).

The example here is in excellent condition. The box would have had an internal tray but no longer is this present.