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

but--thanks to the help of Instagram followers

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

and that basket at the center

what a character

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.