213. Burmese Indian Silver Plate or Platter

A Highly Unusual Silver Platter

This extraordinary platter with scalloped rim bordered by dozens of writhing snakes is repoussed all over with figures of fighters, some with animal heads, all against a finely tooled background. Many hold weapons and are in various aggressive poses. Severed body parts such as arms, legs and heads float freely. A flower form in high relief with three levels of petals is at the centre and is surrounded by a beaded border.

Most probably, the platter represents the battle scene in the final part of the Indian text, the

Devi Mahatmya, part of a Sanskrit epic, the Markandeya Purana, attributed to the fifth or sixth century AD. The battle scene has the goddess Kali in battle against the armies of the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha after she refused their offer of marriage. The demons have animal heads, similar to those depicted in this plate. Kali dispatches the demons and their demon army by cutting them down with her long knife and severing their heads.

The figures are from Indian mythology but are dressed in Burmese-style garb. Most probably, this plate was made in Burma for an Indian client.