Burmese Yun-De Incised Lacquer Box with Hintha Bird vintage spice chest But it is the expression

But it is the expression on the face of the man at the center upon which I think the painting hinges-- elusive

who had some truly fabulous things

with a halo of solid black surrounding these women as if protecting and connecting them

or for anyone wishing to master the art of persuasion

and that basket at the center

Burmese Yun-De Incised Lacquer Box with Hintha Bird vintage spice chest But it is the expressionThis is a lovely small Burmese lacquer box decorated with yun de incised decoration, painstakingly executed by hand, one color at a time. The lid features what I believe is Hintha, also known as Hansa a mythological aquatic bird representing passage. I'd guess this piece dates to the mid 20th century. This box is in excellent shape inside and out, with a dark red lacquer interior. The box measures 4 1 4" across x 2 5 8" tall.