Title
Lacquer Box
Year/Period
early 20th century
Region
Chettinad, South India and Burma (Myanmar)
Material
Dimension
Object size: H12.5 x Dia21.2 cm
Accession No.
2013-00065
Collection of
These lacquerware boxes, vessels and containers attest to the Nattukottai Chettiars’ prominence in Burma during the colonial period. Some of these also exhibit initials of the Chettiar family and would have likely been part of the dowry of a bride. Certain pieces, such as the kudam (water pot) shaped piece, would have been specially commissioned to suit the southern Indian, rather than the Burmese aesthetic, providing further evidence of their use in a Chettiar household.
