ANTIQUE BURMESE SILVER OVAL LIME BOX, FISH, REPOUSSE, SHAN STATES, LATE 19TH C
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:34452 | Product: Boxes |
| Pattern: Zodiac | Age: 1850-1899 |
| Composition: Solid Silver |
ANTIQUE BURMESE SILVER OVAL LIME BOX, FISH, REPOUSSE, SHAN STATES, LATE 19TH C
Originating from the Shan States of Eastern Burma in the late 19th century, this 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 Buddhist zod...iac 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.
The lid of this silver lime box uses a kind of cross-hatching pattern which has been ornamented using repousse techniques. The multitude of little cubes sit next to one another with a small object in the centre. The silver centrepiece lacks distinct detailing and opts for the abstract, though retains a form that resembles a leaf or fish. The rim of the lid is surrounded by by a ring of flowers. The underside of the box is beautifully engraved with a large fish Its tail and scales are nicely detailed.
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.
Approx size – Height 5cms; Length 6.5cms Total weight – 48 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 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 Buddhist zod...iac 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.
The lid of this silver lime box uses a kind of cross-hatching pattern which has been ornamented using repousse techniques. The multitude of little cubes sit next to one another with a small object in the centre. The silver centrepiece lacks distinct detailing and opts for the abstract, though retains a form that resembles a leaf or fish. The rim of the lid is surrounded by by a ring of flowers. The underside of the box is beautifully engraved with a large fish Its tail and scales are nicely detailed.
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.
Approx size – Height 5cms; Length 6.5cms Total weight – 48 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.
