Burmese Lacquer Tiffin Carrier

This is a red, black and copper coloured Burmese lacquerware tiffin carrier (food carrier). On the top and sides are black floral designs against a background of almost metallic looking copper coloured lacquer. The frame is red with a brass handle. On the top and sides of the two compartments are engraved Tamil initials added later. This was done because the Chettiars typically belonged to large joint families, with each branch of the family owning very similar objects of their diasporic heritage. It was important to etch their belongings (valuable or utilitarian) with initials, clearly indicating ownership.
There have been some chips to the lacquer and darkening of the copper colour due to age.