This betel box opens to reveal an interior of light blue enamel and a removable tray. It was used to hold ingredients required for the preparation of betel.Produced in China for the Thai market, its yellow background shows that it was made for Buddhist monks. Since King Rama III, Thai kings bestowed gifts like this as a formal recognition of the rank and status of the recipient. Copper was deemed to be particularly suitable for monks given their dedication to a life of poverty
