Product Description

Antique Shan State Betel Box 1

Material: Silver
Style: Shan State
Size: Height 7.5 cm, Circumference 31.5 cm, Diameter 10 cm
Order Number: MHSASBBB1

The Shan State is a state in Burma (Myanmar),  which was once made up of a large number of traditional monarchies or fiefdoms. Betel boxes, flower bowls, and vases used in the palace were made of silver, rather than gold.  Silversmiths hammered discs of silver into shape. Baw silver, at least 95% pure, was mined at Baw-dwin in the Northern Shan States. It produced light and flexible objects.

The silversmiths excelled in repoussé and chasing techniques, which involved hammering a sheet or disc of silver from the reverse side into a container and then covering it with lively figures and floral patterns in high relief. The work continued for affluent merchants and administrators after the fall of the palace and the start of the colonial period in 1885.

Distinctive geometric bands between boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration are characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

Bold figures of astrological animals or the zodiac frequently decorate the sides.

The base has writing and the engraving of a ram(?).

80-90 years

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).