Burmese Mandalay Silver Bowl

Repoussed Silver Bowl, signed by Maung Galay

This unusual repoussed silver bowl has been decorated with scenes of Burmese pagodas, temples and covered temple walkways, as well as with villagers taking water from a well and a pair of elephants dragging teak logs.

The upper frieze is decorated with a stylised scrolling orchid motif, in high relief.

The lower register is decorated with a border of repeated flower motifs arranged geometrically.

The base is elaborately engraved with a royal peacock insignia, and is signed with the words ‘MG [Maung] Galay Silver Smith South Moat Road Mandalay’.

Mandalay’s South Moat Road during the colonial era was lined with large houses and mansions used by British administrators. It is thus not surprising that a silver smith would have established his operations there so he could cater to the local expatriate and wealthy Burmese clientele.

The bowl is heavy for its size. The walls are thick and there are no small holes in the repousse work as is commonly encountered with other such Burmese silver bowls. The base has been lightly scratched with a previous collection number.

Fraser-Lu, S., Silverware of South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1989.

Fraser-Lu, S.,

Burmese Crafts: Past and Present, Oxford University Press, 1994.

Tilly, H.L.,

The Silverwork of Burma (with Photographs by P. Klier), The Superintendent, Government Printing, 1902.

Tilly, H.L.,

Modern Burmese Silverwork (with Photographs by P. Klier), The Superintendent, Government Printing, 1904.

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