This box is elaborately decorated in red, orange, yellow and black engraved (yun) decoration. The cover has a bird at the centre surrounded by human and half-human figures. Two surrounding concentric bands contain zodiac motifs. More human and animal motifs adorn the sides of the cover. 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.
