These were used as accoutrements in noviciation processions. Use of spiky betel leaf holders such as the example here formerly was the prerogative of royalty. This would be carefully carried by a family member in a procession to the monastery to mark ceremonies associated with a family member entering the monastery as a novice.
 

 This piece is decorated with orange-red and gilded lacquer, and the lacquer on each piece is inset with red, orange and clear glass cabochons, and flat glass mosaics (hpet-htok) backed with silver foil (known as hman-zi- shwei-cha) and further decorated with moulded relief work (known as thayo) in a variety of motifs including the kya-hmauk (petal) and dha-zin-gwe (orchid scrolling) motifs.

The cone of the betel stand is made of pierced, gilded and lacquered metal.

The set is in very fine condition for its age. There are losses to the lacquer on the extremities. It is rare to find such a set in good condition nowadays however.