This is a continuation of the programme on the royal regalia of our ancient kings. This article is a betel bowl on a dragon stand. According to the classical treatise, the " Shwe Bon Nidan " this betel cup with the dragon figures has been part of the royal regalia since the 7th king of the Tagaung Dynasty overcame the dragon that was terrorizing the kingdom. A ring of ornamental gold upright leaves, encircle the base of the betel bowl. It is made of pure gold studded with precious gems.
There is another betel cup with the dragon motif, which also is part of the regalia. In this article the four dragons are on smooth rounded upright supports on which the betel container is placed. The cover of the container has at its a centre an arrangement of the Nine noble Gems surrounded by other valuable gems. The Nine Noble Gems consist of ruby, diamond, peral, the cats eye gem, zircon, emerald, topaz, sapphire and coral.This is what is called the Gold Manaw Salver.
The sides are decorated with three rows of rubies and there are 30 upright decorative crystal leaves around the edge. The centre is ornamented with the nine noble Gems.
What you now see is the Gold Hamsa (Brahminy Duck) Betel Cup made of gold.
