Early 20th Century, Large Burmese Betel Box, “Kun It”

Burmese (Myanmar) Lacquerware has a long tradition dating back to the 13th Century. Lacquer in Burma is called “Thitsi” meaning the sap of a Thitsi Tree (Melanhorrea Usitata). Typically, bamboo and wood are used as a frame or base in making lacquer work. The art of achieving certain tonal qualities of color is a closely guarded secret and it has been said that a master will not impart this secret even to his wife and only to the most trusted of his sons. Cylindrical boxes such as this, called kun-it, were used to store ingredients needed for betel chewing, a mild stimulant that was thought to freshen breath also. Once a common practice in southeast Asia, betel chewing was central to social interaction as well. In old Burma, the betel box was an important item of hospitality to be offered to guests so they could select their preferred ingredients. This large, early 20th century betel box is constructed with a spun bamboo frame which is then lacquered with a cinnabar color and incised with one of the simplest patterns referred to as ku-nan-kan-byat (Yunnan semi-circle design) and pan-bwa (floral patterns). This container is fitted with two lacquer tray and is in excellent condition. Dimension 9-1/4” diameter 8-1/2” high

In many southeast Asian cultures, offering guests a betel quid to chew was the fundamental symbol of hospitality. A blend of leaves, nuts, seasonings, and sometimes tobacco, betel was kept in finely worked and decorated boxes. This round betel box is simply painted with layers of red and black lacquer. Still vibrant after a century of use, the petite box is wonderful as simple way to store jewelry or other precious smalls.