Description (Labels & Markings)
Hand written note reads '14th June 1969 B.O. Eric Kirg Stall. 33A Portobelo Rd. oustide collectors corner. MR. Singer. Lacquer Box £12-0-0 £5 Deposit £7 to pay Paid 21.6.69 £12.0.0'.
Event Date 14/6/1969
Author: Annie McKay

Description (Labels & Markings)
A hand written label adhered to the interior reads 'B.L.19.N.F.S'. The 'BL' number is in reference to a previous inventory devised by the collector during the ?1980s, one version of this inventory was seen amongst the collectors paperwork dated to 12th July 1983.
Event Date 12/07/1983
Author: Annie McKay

Description (Labels & Markings)
Typed label affixed to lid reads '9'. This is in reference to an inventory of lacquerware seen amongst the collector's paperwork written on 14th April 1999.
Event Date 14/04/1999
Author: Annie McKay

Description (Physical description)
Large betel box in four parts. All sides of the betel box are decorated with different themes, the lid being decorated with a court scene, and the side panels depict processions. There is considerable damage to the lid and inner trays, while the base appears to be intact.
The depiction on the lid displays a theatrical performance at court. Four buildings can be seen on the palace platform. A King, court ladies and two small children are depicted in their own temporary structure with a flat roof. There are an additional four figures featured in the centre of the scene, however, it is unclear who these people are meant to represent, possibly more court ladies. Scavenging goats, attendants, an orchestra and two principal characters from the drama are on the ground. In addition, on the right hand side of the scene there is a figure depicted in a circle surrounded by drums. Although this figure is part of the orchestra, the depiction of the person is different to others in the scene. As well as being placed inside a circle, for an unknown reason, the figure is markedly smaller than others in the scene. The side panel of the lid depicts an assorted collection of characters, possibly from the drama to form a procession. Starting from the label marked '9' and moving to the right the characters are: a princely figure with an attendant in combat with an armed belu-demon; a Zawgyi (alchemist) meeting a lady; two men, one of which is up a tree and the other is armed with a sword; a naga dragon being attacked by a galon-garuda; a parrot in a tree; a bearded official with four atendants, with one holding an umbrella over him; three Shans wearing their big hats in conversation with an Englishman wearing a top hat and carrying a cane; and finally, a strange 'wild' creature.
The first, smaller tray is undecorated with a red-brown lacquer.
The side panel of the inner container shows a clumsily drawn procession of birds and a prince and demon in combat. Although the work on the cover and side panel of the lid are competently done, the decorations on the inner panel and base are inferior, and were executed by a different hand. The base has a panel of put-lone (turned pillars) near the flared base of coiled bamboo strips, with an additional panel of moulded decorations. The underside of the base depicts a large bird.
There is considerable damage to the rim of the lid, with the lacquer cracked and coming away from the bamboo. To the left of the label marked '9', there is a gap between the top of the lid and the side panel, with another hole forming on the opposite side. The interior lacquer is cracked. The bottom rim of the lid is broken with parts of the bamboo broken off.
In addition, both inner trays have damage to their rims, The larger, second inner tray has more damage than the smaller, with strips of bamboo visibly missing. There is also a hole forming on the side panel of the larger tray.
Event Date 14/11/2017
Author: Annie McKay