From our Southeast Asia Collection, a very striking contemporary Burmese writing box done in the "shwei-zawa" technique, with gold leaf floral designs known as "chupan" set against a shiny black lacquer ground, all done to very striking and dramatic effect...

Exceptionally rare early 20th century small, complete betel box with za-yun pattern, emulating English embroidery stitching. There are some cracks on the lacquer surface as well minor losses on the edge (especially on the inner box) all visible in enlargements. This is a specialist’s collector piece, for real lovers of Burmese lacquer. H: 8.4cm/3.3in and D:11.6cm/4.4in

Very fine, complete (both original inner trays included) betel box in excellent condition circa first half 20 the century. Composed of red, black and green lacquer depicting monkeys against an abstract foliate background. Some surface craquelure as to be expected on old lacquerware. D: 18.5cm/7.2in and H: 10.5cm/4.1in.

Lovely old Burma betel/siri/pandan box-a rare find with complete and original trays circa 1940 to 1950, and no restoration. The lid is semi domed with 8 planets pattern and central peacock medallion, the side has dancers and an assortment of abstract mythical beasts. Minor losses to lacquer on the lid (please see enlargements). Signed in Burmese script Saya(Sir)Kyi ~Myingabar Quarter,Pagan. Please see last enlargement for reference. D: 19cm/7.5in and H: 17cm/6.8in.

Charming box with sliding lid at the top carved into the shape of an elephant, circa early 20th century with traces of original lacquer. Please examine the enlargements to see the harness and trappinsg carved into the body. Good condition. L: 17.5cm6.9in and H: 10.2cm/4in.

Lovely old Burmese lacquer box with a finely woven lattice work, insert lid (I assume to keep the flies off your “tiffin”) or used to sieve. Circa 60-90 years old, it is very thin and lightweight and the body is constructed of bamboo., I acquired this in a Pagan, lacquer shop about 20 years ago. Excellent original condition with minor lacquer loss at the bottom’s edge as to be expected from a genuinely old piece. D: 30.5cm/12in and H: 16cm/6.2in.

A very fine example of Burmese lacquer ware, dating from the Mandalay period, ca. late 19th/early 20th century. Apart from sone minor chips to the lacquer and normal age wear, this offering bowl is in excellent condition. H. 58 cm. Diameter 31 cm.

A gold-leaf design lacquered offering bowl with floral decoration and "balu-gwin"animal design. Age: late 19th early 20th century. Size: H. 12.5cm. Diameter. 24.5cm. Condition: Some wear on the gold-leaf.Normal for it's age.

Antique green lacquer ware chest produced from a mixture of orpiment and indigo, both of which are found in the Shan region. Age: Late 19th early 20th century. Size: L. 22.4cm. W. 14cm. H. 7.7cm. Condition: Some minor touch-ups on the lid.

A elegant lacquerware for monastery use. Made in Kyaukka, in the lower Chindwin District in Burma, made from woven matting and coiled bamboo and lacquered in black and red. This piece has seven sections. These original Kyaukka pieces are difficult to come by. Size: H. 38cm. W. 40cm. Condition: All original. Some minor chips and one small piece re-glued on. See photo.

Fine old Shan Burmese lacquer box, circa early 20th century with one tray and depicting monkeys playing in foliate background. This piece is a real classic beauty (IMHO). There are a couple of repairs at the edge of the rim noted in enlargements as well as craclature on the surface and nicks around the foot. H: 19.2cm/7.6in and D: 22cm/8in.

Burmese betel nut container, gilded relief work with glass insets. 17 cm high, 15 cm lid diameter. Undated, estimated to be late 19th/ early 20th century. generally good condition, some missing glass and crack in base. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

Decorated .Burmese lacquered betel nut container. Ex Henry Brownrigg Collection London 18 cm high 18 cm lid diameter. undated, estimated to be late 19th early 20th century. Generally good condition, small damage to bottom base rim. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide..

Two rare Burmese/Shan small betel containers, 60 to 100 years old with “ku-nan kan byat” patterns and original inner trays. Genuine antique Burmese lacquer is almost impossible to find these days; I picked the larger one up in a small shop Luang Prabang, Laos in 1998. H: 8.7cm/3.4in and W: 10.2cm/4in, and the smaller one, H: 6.7cm/2.7in and D: 7.7cm/3in, in Chiang Mai this year. These have some old repairs, as well as a pleasing craclature typical of antique Burmese lacquer.

A black lacquer with red interior household basket of Victorian design made for Europeans in Burma during that era. These were made in Kyaukkae in the Chinwin District. Size: H:32cm. W.30cm. L.36.5 Condition: No repairs. Some loss of lacquer from age. See photos.

A nice lacquered box with a painted mythical beast on the lid and a bird on the front panel. Under the outside bottom panel there is an inscription. Age: Early 20th century. Size: L. 30.6cm. W. 10.5cm H. 7.4cm. Condition: No repairs. Normal ageing.

Mandalay Period, inlaid with glass. The stand with gilded metal ornaments. H. 51 cm. Ex. Johan Möger Collection. His collection was published in the ' Burmese Buddhist Sculpture' by Otto Karow.

A ceremonial cylinder used by Senior Monks to send letters to each other. The animal in the panel is a "balu-gwin" Size: H. 33.5 cm. Base diameter: 5.8cm. Condition: Normal wear, no repairs.