An early 20^th century Burmese unmarked silver box or casket, probably Rangoon circa 1920

Of rectangular form with a hinged lid. The lid with an embossed high relief scene of the nat (spirit) Ma Swe Oo, a country girl weaver who was killed by a tiger sent by the younger Taung-pyone brother, Min Galay, after spurning his advances, this depicted as a tiger attacking a woman with two sword wielding figures observing, all against trees. The sides with scalloped vignettes of birds in various aspects against a ring punched ground with chased leaves, all reserved with foliate scrolls.

Length – 14 cm / 5.5 inches

Weight – 386 grams / 12.41 ozt

Ma Swe Oo became the patroness of weavers, suggesting this box may have been intended for use with sewing materials.