English: This gold and jewelled container once formed part of the regalia of King Thibaw, the last Burmese king (r.1878-1885). The karaweik, a mythical bird, is a symbol of longevity. The container was used at the royal palace at Mandalay as part of a betel paraphernalia set. Betel leaves, used to wrap the blend of areca-nut shavings, lime and spices, were stored in the karaweik container. The regalia was part of the material requisitioned as indemnity at the end of the third Burmese war in 1885. It was later placed under the custodianship of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This object was given to the Museum by the Government and people of Burma in generous recognition of the Victoria and Albert Museum's safekeeping of the Burmese royal regalia from 1886 to 1964.
Dimensions - Height: 41.5 cm, Length: 35.5 cm, Width: 18 cm