Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 10 cm, Length 10.5 cm, Width 5.5 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC1

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

70-80 years old.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5 cm, Length 6.5 cm, Width 3.5 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC10

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is an inscription of a fish on the base.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 10 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 6 cm, Width 3 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC11

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is an inscription of a Burmese mythological animal on the base called a Pancarupa. It is a mythical winged chimera that acts as Guardian Protector. The name comes from the Pali word pancarupa, literally meaning ‘five forms’, being a combination of different animals: an elephant, bullock, horse, carp and toe (which is a fabulous horned animal). They are said to be the masters of water, land and air.

The inscription on the base also has Burmese writing. It says 1285 M.E (Myanmar Era), month of Nayone, that’s 1923.

Nayone is the third month of the Burmese lunar calendar, just a couple of weeks into the beginning of the rainy monsoon season. The rice farmers plough their rice paddies at this time. The rain helps the rice grow.

In the old days of monarchy, the King also gave awards of silver coins to the top monastic graduates during this month. Their parents and relatives were given tax exemptions. The graduates were offered the possibility of joining the monkhood or entering into the service of the king.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 11 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 7.5 cm, Width 3 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC12

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is a silver mark on the base.

Early 20th century.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 12 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 6.75 cm, Width 3.5 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC13

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is a silver mark on the base.

Early 20th century.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 13 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 7 cm, Width 3.25 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC14

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is a silver mark on the base.

Early 20th century.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 14 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5 cm, Length 7 cm, Width 4 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC15

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.

Early 20th century.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 15 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5 cm, Length 6 cm, Width 3.75 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC16

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.

Early 20th century.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 16 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5.5 cm, Length 7 cm, Width 5 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC17

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is a fine inscription of a Burmese mythological animal on the top called a Pancarupa. It is a mythical winged chimera that acts as Guardian Protector. The name comes from the Pali word pancarupa, literally meaning ‘five forms’, being a combination of different animals: an elephant, bullock, horse, carp and toe (which is a fabulous horned animal). They are said to be the masters of water, land and air.

The inscription on the base has a mark.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 17 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Brass
Style: Burma
Size: Height 8 cm, Diameter 4 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC18

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

This solid engraved brass lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 18 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 7.5 cm, Width 3.5 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC2

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There is an inscription of a fish on the base. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

70-80 years old.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 2 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 7.5 cm, Width 4 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC3

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.

There is an inscription of a Burmese mythological animal on the base called a Pancarupa. It is a mythical winged chimera that acts as Guardian Protector. The name comes from the Pali word pancarupa, literally meaning ‘five forms’, being a combination of different animals: an elephant, bullock, horse, carp and toe (which is a fabulous horned animal). They are said to be the masters of water, land and air.

The inscription on the base also has the Burmese date: 1292 of the Myanmar Era , that’s 1930.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 3 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5.5 cm, Length 6.5 cm, Width 3 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC4

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.  There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is an inscription of a rabbit on the base. The rabbit is the symbol of the moon. The inscription on the base also has Burmese writing: 1318 of Myanmar Era , that’s 1956, and the month of Waso, the fourth month of the traditional Burmese calendar. It also states ‘Maung Ngwe Phyu’ which can be translated ‘Silvery White’. That’s probably the name of the silversmith.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 4 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5 cm, Length 6 cm, Width 3 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC5

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.

There is an inscription of a Burmese mythological animal on the base called a Pancarupa. It is a mythical winged chimera that acts as Guardian Protector. The name comes from the Pali word pancarupa, literally meaning ‘five forms’, being a combination of different animals: an elephant, bullock, horse, carp and toe (which is a fabulous horned animal). They are said to be the masters of water, land and air.

The inscription on the base also has Burmese writing: 1208 of the Myanmar Era , that’s 1930, and the month of Tabaung (the twelfth and last month of traditional Myanmar calendar).

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 5 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 5.5 cm, Length 5.75 cm, Width 2.75 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC6

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.  There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is an inscription of a rabbit on the base. The rabbit is the symbol of the moon.

About 70-80 years.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 6 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 6.5 cm, Width 3 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC7

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd.

There is an inscription of a Burmese mythological animal on the base called a Pancarupa. It is a mythical winged chimera that acts as Guardian Protector. The name comes from the Pali word pancarupa, literally meaning ‘five forms’, being a combination of different animals: an elephant, bullock, horse, carp and toe (which is a fabulous horned animal). They are said to be the masters of water, land and air.

The inscription on the base also has Burmese writing.  283 – the full date must be 1283  of the Myanmar Era , that’s 1921.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 7 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 7.5 cm, Width 4 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC8

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is an inscription of a fish on the base.

The inscription on the base also has the Burmese date. It was made on the Full Moon Day of the month of Nayone, 1266 of the Myanmar Era , that’s 1904. Nayone is the third month of the  Burmese lunar calendar, just a couple of weeks into the beginning of the rainy monsoon season. The rice farmers plough their rice paddies at this time. The rain helps the rice grow.

In the old days of monarchy, the King also gave awards of silver coins to the top monastic graduates during this month. Their parents and relatives were given tax exemptions. The graduates were offered the possibility of joining the monkhood or entering into the service of the king.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 8 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver
Style: Burma
Size: Height 6 cm, Length 6.5 cm, Width 3.25 cm
Order Number: MHSABLC9

The basic ingredients of a betel quid are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime containers, hinged cutters, similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The Shan State in Burma (Myanmar) once made up 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 boldly conceived, well-finished repoussé decoration is characteristic of Shan craftsmanship.

This solid silver oval lime container held powdered lime for the betel quid. The domed lid is repousséd. There are traces of dried white lime inside.

There is an inscription of a Burmese mythological animal on the base called a Pancarupa. It is a mythical winged chimera that acts as Guardian Protector. The name comes from the Pali word pancarupa, literally meaning ‘five forms’, being a combination of different animals: an elephant, bullock, horse, carp and toe (which is a fabulous horned animal). They are said to be the masters of water, land and air.

The inscription on the base also has Burmese writing.

There is a similar example in Betel and Miang, Vanishing Thai Habits, P.A. Reichart and H.P. Philipsen, White Lotus, 1996, page 77.

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

The post Antique Burmese Lime Container 9 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Iron, brass, wood
Style: Java, Indonesia
Size: Height 23 cm
Order Number: MHSABBP4

Betel chewing was widespread in Bali and offered to guests as a sign of welcome. It was – and is still – offered to the gods and ancestors in ceremonies.

The basic ingredients are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime pots, hinged cutters , similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The betel pounder was like a mortar and pestle. It came in various sizes and its purpose was to crush the areca nut into a soft substance for the elderly or those who had no teeth and could not chew the hard nut. The pounder was a long metal instrument with a handle and sharpened tip, which pressed down on the nut inside a tall hollow cylinder.

About 50-60 years.

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

The post Antique Javanese Betel Pounder 1 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.

Material: Silver, brass, wood
Style: Java, Indonesia
Size: Height 26 cm
Order Number: MHSABBP5

Betel chewing was widespread in Bali and offered to guests as a sign of welcome. It was – and is still – offered to the gods and ancestors in ceremonies.

The basic ingredients are betel leaf, areca nut and lime powder. Gambir and tobacco may be added  to make it more fragrant.

The containers and implements included boxes of various shapes and sizes to store the betel nuts,  betel leaf holders for the already prepared betel quid, lime pots, hinged cutters , similar to scissors, to cut the hard areca nut, knives to cut the softer nuts, pounders to crush the nut, salve boxes to hold beeswax for the lips, spittoons, tobacco pouches and trays on which they all were displayed.

The betel pounder was like a mortar and pestle. It came in various sizes and its purpose was to crush the areca nut into a soft substance for the elderly or those who had no teeth and could not chew the hard nut. The pounder was a long metal instrument with a handle and sharpened tip, which pressed down on the nut inside a tall hollow cylinder.

About 50-60 years.

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

The post Antique Javanese Betel Pounder 2 appeared first on Murni's in Bali.