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Bird-shaped betel box on stand
Bird-shaped betel box on stand

Bird-shaped betel box on stand

Place of OriginMandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
Dateapprox. 1850-1900
MaterialsLacquered and gilded wood and ferrous metal and wood with mirrored glass inlay and textile tassel
DimensionsH. 16 1/2 in x W. 11 in, H. 41.9 cm x W. 27.9 cm
Credit LineGift of Rhett Mundy/Asia Galleries
Object number2010.533.a-.c
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsDecorative Arts
On View
Not on view
More Information
A 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.