Antique Burmese Lacquerware Trinket Box

Dimensions: 6.5cm diameter, 5cm high.
Code: WOOD 6121

This black and gold coloured Burmese lacquerware trinket box (called a yun-it) was handmade by specialist artisans in Myanmar (formerly Burma) in the late 19th century/early 20th century. The delightful small round box has a floral design on the lid and two matching flowers on either side of the box. The flowers have delicate white petals with a red centre. The inside of the box is lacquered red. Hand-painted on the lid and the side are Tamil initials added later, this is because the Chettiars typically belonged to large joint families, with each branch of the family owning very similar objects of their diasporic heritage. It was important to etch their belongings, valuable or utilitarian, with initials clearly indicating ownership. In good condition, there are some marks and chips consistent with age and use.

There are two other almost identical pieces, with the same initials, see WOOD 6221 and WOOD 6321.