ANTIQUE BURMESE SILVER HALF - MOON LIME BOX, MAKERS MARK, SHAN STATES, LATE 19TH C
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:15328390 | Product: Boxes |
| Pattern: Zodiac | Age: 1850-1899 |
| Composition: Solid Silver |
ANTIQUE BURMESE SILVER HALF-MOON LIME BOX, MAKERS MARK, SHAN STATES, LATE 19TH C
Originating from the Shan States of Eastern Burma in the late 19th century, this lime/betel box has been ornamented using repousse and chasing techniques. These betel boxes often used eight zoomorphic figures scrolling across the box, also known as gyo-shit-yon, which can be roughly translated as the "animals or planets of the week" [source: Indian Silver by Wynyard Wilkinson]. The twelve Buddh...ist zodiac signs are also a commonly used theme. As is typical of betel boxes from this region, these decorations are usually ornamented in lower relief. Higher relief silver tended to be characteristic of Lower Burma, and while silver from the Shan States certainly took influence from there, the practice of fashioning silver in higher relief was not continued.
A beautiful half-moon shaped box, the sides are finely decorated with floral patterns. They are nicely detailed and the imagery is still crisp and clear. The lid of the box also uses floral patterns, though also has small animals. The animal in the centre resembles a long, serpent-like figure, akin to a snake or dragon. The underside of the base has what appears to be a makers mark with a stamp and the letters 'COM'. Though we have not found out anything about the maker, it is believed that lime boxes were not usually marked, making this quite rare.
The betel chewing habit could be quite simplistic or very complex; it was complicated to prepare the main ingredients and a range of spices were often added for additional flavouring. This pastime became widespread across South East Asia and there was a great deal of paraphernalia attached to the habit with containers of various, sizes and shapes and special tools to cut the betel nuts. The containers were made in different materials, wood, lacquer and various metals, according to income and social standing, with only the rich able to afford large and beautifully ornamented silver containers, such as this one.
Size – Height 4.5 cms; Length 7.5 cms; Width 4.5 cm Weight – 86 grammes Please message me with any queries. Thank you for looking and don’t forget to check my other listings for antique European, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Asian silver. I am always interested in purchasing individual items or entire collections of high-quality silver, particularly antique items from Asia, India and the Middle East. If you are looking to sell, please contact me with details.
Originating from the Shan States of Eastern Burma in the late 19th century, this lime/betel box has been ornamented using repousse and chasing techniques. These betel boxes often used eight zoomorphic figures scrolling across the box, also known as gyo-shit-yon, which can be roughly translated as the "animals or planets of the week" [source: Indian Silver by Wynyard Wilkinson]. The twelve Buddh...ist zodiac signs are also a commonly used theme. As is typical of betel boxes from this region, these decorations are usually ornamented in lower relief. Higher relief silver tended to be characteristic of Lower Burma, and while silver from the Shan States certainly took influence from there, the practice of fashioning silver in higher relief was not continued.
A beautiful half-moon shaped box, the sides are finely decorated with floral patterns. They are nicely detailed and the imagery is still crisp and clear. The lid of the box also uses floral patterns, though also has small animals. The animal in the centre resembles a long, serpent-like figure, akin to a snake or dragon. The underside of the base has what appears to be a makers mark with a stamp and the letters 'COM'. Though we have not found out anything about the maker, it is believed that lime boxes were not usually marked, making this quite rare.
The betel chewing habit could be quite simplistic or very complex; it was complicated to prepare the main ingredients and a range of spices were often added for additional flavouring. This pastime became widespread across South East Asia and there was a great deal of paraphernalia attached to the habit with containers of various, sizes and shapes and special tools to cut the betel nuts. The containers were made in different materials, wood, lacquer and various metals, according to income and social standing, with only the rich able to afford large and beautifully ornamented silver containers, such as this one.
Size – Height 4.5 cms; Length 7.5 cms; Width 4.5 cm Weight – 86 grammes Please message me with any queries. Thank you for looking and don’t forget to check my other listings for antique European, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Asian silver. I am always interested in purchasing individual items or entire collections of high-quality silver, particularly antique items from Asia, India and the Middle East. If you are looking to sell, please contact me with details.
