Although Mandalay was the capital of Burma for only a brief period of 25 years (1860-1885), it was here during the reign of King Mindon that the arts of Burma came to their final flowering. This rice box is evidence of this Mandalay period.
Decorative rice boxes are used today to deliver and distribute rice to monks. This can take place in the streets when daily alms are collected . . . or in temples.
Glutinous aka Sticky Rice is put into banana leaf packets and then put into the rice box.
This box – with its elephant designs – came from the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet in the northern part of Thailand . . . in the Himalayan foothills near the Khong (aka Mekong) River.
For the Serious Collector.
This item has been sold. Many thanks M.S. !