An early 20^th century Burmese unmarked silver betel box, Shan States circa 1900

Of circular form with pull off domed cover surmounted by a chased and wirework goat finial. The sides with embossed vignettes of zodiac symbols; Meittha, Pyeittha, Mei-don, Karakat, Thein, Kan, Tu, Pueitsa, Nu, Makaya, Kon and Mein, with stacked birds inbetween, all below simple geometric borders. The lid embossed with the same Zodiac symbols, the underneath flat chased with the zodiac symbols centred with a recumbent lion reserved in punch work.

Diameter – 13.3 cm / 5.25 inches

Weight – 473 grams / 15.21 ozt