Burmese Black Lacquer Betel Box

In many southeast Asian cultures, offering guests a betel quid to chew was the fundamental symbol of hospitality. A blend of leaves, nuts, seasonings, and sometimes tobacco, betel was kept in finely worked and decorated boxes. This round betel box is simply painted with layers of red and black lacquer. Still vibrant after a century of use, the petite box is wonderful as simple way to store jewelry or other precious smalls.