Betel leaf holder
Place of OriginMyanmar (Burma)
Dateapprox. 1850-1950
MaterialsLacquered and gilded ferrous metal and wood with mirrored glass inlay
DimensionsH. 21 in x Diam. 8 in, H. 53.3 cm x Diam. 20.3 cm
Credit LineGift from Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Southeast Asian Art Collection
Object number2006.27.109.a-.b
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on viewA variety of elaborately decorated vessels, containers, and stands were made for presenting offerings in Buddhist monasteries. Ornate betel-nut containers used at ceremonies when young men entered monasteries as novices symbolized the luxuries that the Buddha-to-be, Prince Siddhartha, willingly gave up when he embarked on his spiritual career, luxuries that candidates for the novitiate gave up when they followed his example.
approx. 1850-1900
approx. 1850-1950
approx. 1875-1925
approx. 1850-1925
approx. 1850-1910
approx. 1875-1925
approx. 1850-1950
approx. 1850-1900
approx. 1850-1950
1800-1925
