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Burma/Myanmar late 19th, early 20th Century
Lacquered
h. 8 1/2 in., d. 9 in.
Gift of Helen Trager, 2004
BC2004.2.3
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| A fine Burmese orange lacquer cylindrical covered box with inner tray, the exterior surface finely decorated with semi-abstract black line designs, a vigorous well painted dancing figure within a roundel in the center of the cover. Late 19th, early 20th century. The colors have been popular for hundred of years. This box was made by Hsay Sein. His name appears on the center of the base of the box together with his "trademark," a dancing figure in a roundel on the top of the cover. This is a classical design, drawn free hand with a very fine needle-point, a tool that gives its name tont-un according to Isaacs (see biblio). The bright color red derives from cinnabar (mercuric sulfide) powder mixed with raw lacquer sap. The trademark is surrounded by yellow or pigment marks. Inside the base are 3 divisions. The lowest part holds the betel-vine leaves, the lower of the two internal trays holds tobacco leaf and the upper tray holds the lime, slided, and other elements to chew the betel nut. (bibliography: Ralph Isaacs and T. Richard Blurton 2000:76, No. 6) |
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