Burmese Silver Bowl

Large Repoussed Silver Bowl 

Burma

circa 1890

height: 16.5cm, diameter: 28.5cm, weight: 1,186g (1.186kg)

This larger-than-usual Burmese silver bowl of typical form with concave sides is repoussed with six scenes that most probably draw on Burmese folklore: each includes multiple figures dressed in extravagant, traditional Burmese court attire. The scenes are separated by elaborate panels of entwined foliage. The upper border comprises a dha-zin-gwei or stylised orchid motif, and the lower consists of a broad band of foliate and petal motifs. The base is plain.

Such bowls are said to be based on the lacquer begging bowls used by Buddhist monks in Burma. Most probably this is true but most such bowls served no religious purpose whatsoever and were commissioned by wealthy Burmese purely for their decorative value, and also for the colonial market, as testimony to the great skill of Burma’s silversmiths.

This bowl was acquired in the UK and almost certainly has been in the UK since the colonial era. It is without significant dents, splits or repairs, and has a fine patina consistent with its age.

References

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.

Inventory no.: 1522

SOLD