Betel box and stand
- Place of origin:
Mandalay, Burma (An earlier identification of this bird as a karaweik, or mythical cockerel/chicken is probably not c, made)
- Date:
3rd quarter 19th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
Filigree work in gold on a gold ground, outlined with bands of rubies and imitation emeralds, with some embossing; eyes of rubies (one now missing)
- Credit Line:
Given by the Government of Burma, pp H.E. U. Hla Manly, Ambassador of Burma, London
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
South-East Asia, room 47a, case 16
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This gold and jewelled container once formed part of the regalia of King Thibaw, the last Burmese king (r.1878-1885). The karaweik, a mythical bird, is a symbol of longevity. The container was used at the royal palace at Mandalay as part of a betel paraphernalia set. The offering of betel--a mildly narcotic chewing quid--was an essential element of traditional Burmese society. Every household, including the royal family's, had a set of utensils for its preparation. Betel leaves, used to wrap the blend of areca-nut shavings, lime and spices, were stored in the karaweik container.
This object was given to the Museum by the Government and people of Burma in generous recognition of the Victoria and Albert Museum's safekeeping of the Burmese royal regalia from 1886 to 1964.
Physical description
A vessel and cover on a stand, in the shape of a karaweik (a mythical Burmese bird). Chicken like in appearance with its feet, pointed beak, wealth of overlapping body feathers, curled wings and upturned tail. The waisted stand is decorated with panels of floral ornament and at each end a leaf-shaped extension with foliage motifs, curves upwards to support the body of the stand.
Place of Origin
Mandalay, Burma (An earlier identification of this bird as a karaweik, or mythical cockerel/chicken is probably not c, made)
Date
3rd quarter 19th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Filigree work in gold on a gold ground, outlined with bands of rubies and imitation emeralds, with some embossing; eyes of rubies (one now missing)
Dimensions
Height: 41.5 cm, Length: 35.5 cm, Width: 18 cm
Object history note
The container formed part of the Burmese royal regalia which belonged to King Thi-baw, who was the last representative of the Burmese monarchy. The regalia was part of the material requisitioned as indemnity at the end of the third Burmese war in 1885. It was later placed under the custodianship of the Museum (IS.144 to 294-1890). It was returned to the Government of Burma in 1964 except for the Karaweik (IS.159-1890). This was given to the British Government by Ne Win at the time to be kept by the V&A as a token of friendship and goodwill.
Historical context note
Yule, Capt (later Col. Sir) Henry.Narrative of the Mission to The Court of Ava in 1855 London: Smith, Elder, and Co., frontispiece (illustration of similar karaweik as seen in the royal regalia of King Mindon).
Descriptive line
Burmese royal kun-it (betel box) on a stand in the shape of a sacred goose or hintha (hin-tha kun-ok), Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885), ca. 1850-1875
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Lowry, John. Burmese Art London, Her Majesty's Stationery Office 1974. 29p., ill
Canberra: National Museum of Australia; Gold and Civilisation, exhibition 2001; catalogue; p. 182, ill. 183
Materials
Gold; Ruby; Green glass
Techniques
Filigree; Raising; Embossed
Subjects depicted
Birds; Mythology; Karaweik
Production Type
Unique
Collection code
SSEA
