Description: Very good condition with internal tray. The side shows a classic “courtship” pattern and the top is exquisitely drawn with an intimate scene of the King instructing his crown prince and princess. Notice the open Buddhist text and snack box.
Early 20th Century Burmese Betel Box
Price: $600 US
Antique Betel Boxes
Description: Antique Betel Boxes – These boxes are a matching pair the “Nandwin” (King at court) classic pattern in response to the British influence and their desire for more patterns that show a Western perspective of space and depth. None the less, they are large and well used with some repair and a really mysterious time-stained patina. They are not gleaming show pieces, but magical none the less and are great for storing little objects like souvenirs from a day at the ocean, shells, driftwood, stones and seaweed. Lacquerware is water repellent and will not mold up. They are very large and substantial.
Price: $800 US each
Burmese Offering Vessel
Description: Late 19th / 20th century Hsun-ok offering vessel cinnabar lacquer over teak and bamboo with scrollwork on the shoulder. Very much used and in averagely fair condition.Not much of a collectors piece but good for a touch of exotic essence in a beautifully composed room. Wax it up and it will deliver. Even average pieces are getting very hard to locate and get back from Burma. Well priced and waiting.
Price: $800 US
Gourd Medicine Box
Description: 18th century Chinese lacquer tightly fitted gourd shaped medicine box depicting a gilt painted dragon chasing a flaming pearl amidst stylized clouds.
Price: $500 US
Burmese Offering Vessel
Description: Very large late 19th century Burmese offering vessel with a thick and truly beautiful orange/red lacquer with a pleasing Japanese Negoro effect where the piece has been handled for decades in the religious practice of carrying food inside them to monasteries and shrines. These are truly austere and quiet objects that command a great deal of respect and attention.
Examples this fine are quite rare now.
Price: $1,500 US
Burmese Offering Vessel
Description: Black Burmese hsun-ok offering vessels (pronounced SOON-OK). Absolutely gorgeous show pieces that are true art and are at the same time religious in nature (their original intent was to carry offerings of cooked food to the monasteries and local shrines. Most households had at least one and was used in the practice of “gathering Merit”. There are a couple of styles, one being solid black over red lacquer and black with exposed yellow bamboo (which was quite costly ). They are quiet and deeply sincere and serene objects that are well known amongst interior design professionals for adding a point of very unexpected drama to an environment that is well composed and appreciates asian art and antiques. These pieces are becoming very rare and deeply sought after.
Call ahead for specific style updates. Most range in price from $900 – $2200.
Assorted Burmese Betel Boxes
Description: Antique and early 20th century Burmese betel boxes. The yun technique of engraving and filling in with colored lacquer was first introduced to Burma from Siam (Thailand) but it was the Burmese that took the art to the extreme heights that they did. Kind of like the bonsai that started out in China and was raised to extraordinary heights by the Japanese. These assorted Betel boxes are all gleaming show pieces and are waxed with clear beeswax to really make the dried out surface shine. They range in quality from average high quality to very high quality including one Zodiac pattern drawn out in the elusive and rare Burmese pink lacquer with a glossy black ground. They are all incredibly beautiful for this price range and need to be seen in person to choose. They look fantastic in a group or placed in a cabinet or open armoire in a non-asian setting with that soft low sultry lighting. Prices are set between $500 – $1200 They are also becoming very hard to find at this quality.
Early mid-20th century
