This lacquerware box has been skillfully decorated with a design known in Burma as yok-thei (human and animal figures amidst scrolling). The gold leaf technique known in Burma as shwei-zawa has also been generously employed to highlight the designs by providing a highly reflective surface. The outer parameters of the surfaces are decorated with a ribbon-like design known as dha-zin-gwe, (orchid scrolling) and ywe-dan, (bead-like design). Indicative of the ambitiousness of Burmese crafts, even the underside of the box has been decorated with the image of an elephant, a symbol of strength and courage.
Characteristics
Width: 31cm, 12.2 in
Height: 21cm, 6 in
Depth: 16cm, 3.5in
Weight: 998g
Materials: jackfruit wood, woven bamboo, lacquer, pigment, gold leaf
Provenance: Burmese antique dealer, Bagan
Period: Early 20th century
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