The design and composition of the pictorial representations on these decorative objects, with their complex narrative themes and rich floral designs, are characteristic of the Burmese lacquerware known as yun. The predominant use of red, orange, green and yellow is also a hallmark of this distinctive style. The two boxes displayed here were used to store the various ingredients used for making betel quid. Created by mixing betel leaves with areca nut and slaked lime, betel quid serves as a mouth freshener, a mild stimulant and a digestive aid.
Details
- Title: Betel Box
- Date: 1900-1930
- Medium: Bamboo and lacquer, 3 pieces
- Dimensions: 4-1/4 x 8-1/4 in. (10.8 x 21.0 cm)
- Credit Line: Norton Simon Museum, Gift of Pratap and Chitra Pal
- Accession Number: P.2003.01.05a-c
- Copyright: © Norton Simon Museum
Object Information
Exceptionally Gifted: Recent Donations to the Norton Simon Museum (2002-2008)
- Norton Simon Museum, 2009-04-17 to 2009-08-31
- Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 3: Art from Sri Lanka & Southeast Asia, 2004, no. 185 pp. 236-237
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