Thai lacquer betel box of low circular form, dating to the 19th century, constructed over a wood core and finished in layered red lacquer with polychrome detailing. The lid is centered by a stylized guardian lion (singha) motif within geometric framing, surrounded by scrolling ornament...

Large lacquered wood panel with a detailed image of a mythical half bird/half woman celestial being. Kinnari (kinnayi Burmese) are depicted in Hindu and Theravada Buddhist art, and associated with art, love and poetry. This is circa 1950-1970- in good condition although some of gilt has worn down. H: 90cm/35.5in and W: 60cm/23.6in.

Very rare complete 19th century Burmese “sittuyin” hand carved and red and black lacquered set of chess pieces. Similar to the Indian Chaturanga chess game this does not have a queen but an advisor (minister), as well as an elephant in place of the rook and perhaps uniquely Burmese the bishop resembles a stupa. These are in excellent condition with lacquer losses and wear consistent with age. They have a thin layer of contemporary clear lacquer for conservation purposes...

An oval black lacquered box with gilt relief decoration, in so-called "thayo" techique. Made of woven bamboo, the interiors of the base and the lid are decorated in red lacquer. Dimension: 11.8 cm high x 20.8 cm x 18.6 cm wide. Condition: rims with small lacquer losses, few tiny chips.

An unusual Burmese Buddhist Kamavacca. Estimated to be late 19th century. 50x10cm Unlike the majority of these manuscripts which have a textile or vegetable base this one is on metal. It comprises 9 leaves and 2 thick wood decorated covers. Condition good with some losses to corners but nor affecting text. Purchased in London from Henry Brownrigg in 1992 and now fresh to the market after being in one collection for 33 years.

Finely woven and exquisite fern fiber (li pao) on rattan evening purse with mirror under the lid. This craft is unique and has been around since the Ayuthayya Period ( 300 years). It was reinvigorated under the patronage of the now royal mother Queen Sirikit. There is light coating lacquer on the surface with copper hinges and inner chains (broken). Over all very good condition with minor defects (a few lipa fibers have popped out of the hinge, one the copper “feet” is missing...

Very rare antique lacquer box from the Southern Shan States circa late 19th CE to early 20th CE. This a complete set (which is rare in itself these days). The pattern though simple is exquisitely detailed. I have not seen this pattern documented anywhere and I have a few of this type all acquired in China in Yunnan, so I am wondering if it is possible it was made by the ethnic Shan (Daizu) living there...

Large Burmese buddhist lacquer panel. Central image of Shiva, based on a Bagan mural painting from the 11th century brick temple at Adayadana. Surrounded by 10 images with scenes from Budda's life Lacquer on thick wood. 92x61 cm Good condition. Can be viewed in ventral London.

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.

Magnificent large Northern Thailand red and black lacquer box with foliate and floral scroll pattern, circa late 19th to early 20th century, most likely produced at a Chiang Mai workshop. Very light weight original top and bottom, best example I’ve seen in over 20 years. There is craquelure as is typical from antique Southeast Lacquer and very small color and lacquer loss due to use, please examine close ups. D: 26cm/10.1in and H: 10cm/4in.

Nice old carved hardwood box from the Shan State, Myanmar with traces of original lacquer. This was collected around 1988 in Northern Thailand, and originally dates to early the 20th century. Please note this is not a tourist piece artificially stressed to look old. The Shan have a strong shamanistic tradition which seems to blend well the local Buddhist religion, possibly this was used to house shaman paraphernalia...

Superb sutra book (Kammavaca) made of two book covers made of teak wood and 16 pages made of palm wood. The pages are written recto/verso, in Pali script lacquered with black tamarind seed on a gilt background and illuminations. The two covers are with red drawings representing celestial beings on a gilt background. Burma, early 19th century. Dimensions: length: 62 cm, height: 12 cm. Some signs of wear and use, tiny chip on one page (see photo), otherwise very good condition...

Exceptionally rare small lacquered box from the Karen people of Burma. This is an antique piece circa early 20th century (possibly earlier). I have yet to find any other examples of pieces with the carved design on the bottom (either in the field or any published literature). There is some minor loss to lacquer to at the edge of the top. D: 9cm/3.6in and H: 8.8cm/3.5in. Free shipping.

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 Cambodian lacquer betel box with decorative herring bone woven bamboo wall. Good condition, wear as to be expected with an old piece, but no damage. This was made Pre Khmer Rouge (before 1975). Although lacquer craft has been resurrected for decorative export pieces, artisanal made for domestic use are no longer produced due to its time consumption and the availability of cheap plastic. D: 23.5cm/9.2in and H: 9.8cm/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.

Very rare lacquer box with geometrical pattern and convex shaped lid and bottom. The lacquer is quite thick on this piece with an unusual motif. I have only seen two boxes in this style which came out of Yunnan, China, so these may have been made as trade items to Yi minority who seem to make similar, though less sophisticated, patterned lacquer pieces. This was made in the first half of the 20th century, and except for a chip on the lid surface it is in excellent condition...

Nice old antique black lacquered bamboo and wood box from Cambodia circa 1950 or earlier. This part of a collection I acquired almost 20 years ago. Khmer lacquer is quite rare, not many crafts survived the Khmer Rouge era, and is a lost art. Some wear and restoration as to be expected but no major damage. D: 5cm/7.8in and H: 10.5cm/4.1in.