This richly decorated ceremonial container is in the shape of a mythical karaweik bird, symbolising longevity. It was designed to hold betel, a mild drug used throughout Asia, and was owned by King Thibaw, the last monarch of Burma. 1780 – 1885, Myanmar [1920×953]

The container was used at the royal palace at Mandalay as part of a betel paraphernalia set. The offering of betel, a mildly narcotic chewing quid, was an essential element of traditional Burmese society. Every household, including the royal family’s, had a set of utensils for its preparation. Betel leaves, used to wrap the blend of areca-nut shavings, lime and spices, were stored in the karaweik container.

[Museum link](https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O10747/)