This lacquer box is decorated with yun work in pink, red, yellow, green and black colours. The narrative design is thought to depict one of the Jataka stories (stories of Buddha's past lives) known as the ‘Burijata’ - the story of the Serpent King. The base has an inscription which refers to ‘Master Kyaw’ and the place name: Pye Su Wat, in Bagan.Betel boxes are one of the most popular forms within the vast repertoire of Burmese lacquer. The tradition of betel-chewing required approriately designed boxes, in which the necessary ingredients could be stored and presented at a range of social and ritual occasions. As in many Southeast Asian cultures, betel became a signifier of social status and likewise the betel box. In Burma, royal gifts of betel were made to favoured guests, and the ritual procession of a young monk to his novitiation ceremony was usually proceeded by a beautiful young girl who carried a betel box.
