An early 20th century Burmese white metal betel box, Shan States circa 1900

An early 20th century Burmese white metal betel box, Shan States circa 1900

Of cylindrical form, the pull off top section opening to reveal a plain base-metal lift out tray. The sides of lid with embossed decoration of repeating Zodiac signs, either Meittha (ram) or Pyeittha (bull) as well as Kon (water pot) within rectangular cartouches with re-entrant corners between panels of three birds, all between stippled borders. The top of lid centred with an embossed recumbent creature with wirework horns within a band of C scrolls and stylised faces, the outer band with embossed foliate amidst flat chased scrolls. The underside with a chased chinthe amidst grasses, all within a border of repeating scrolls.

Height – 10.2 cm / 4 inches

Diameter – 11.5 cm / 4.5 inches

Weight (silver) – 263 grams / 8.46 ozt