
Dora Tan
Head of Sale, Specialist
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US$20,000 - US$30,000
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Head of Sale, Specialist

International Director
Rather than narrative representations, the silversmiths of the Shan State in Eastern Burma are better known for their design repertoire drawing from nature, mythical creatures, and astrology. This well-formed, lantern-shaped bowl displays the twelve signs of the Burmese zodiac in scalloped frames. Additionally, facing each of the cardinal directions is a triratna symbol representing the three 'gems' of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha (community). The remainder of this large bowl's surface is predominantly patterned with pierced floral arabesques that prompt a creative play with light and reflection. The bowl's dedicatory inscription includes a wish for protection. Such appeals are commonly found among merit-generating art objects created for Buddhist temple donations. However, the wish seems all the more amplified when acknowledging that the bowl was made during the last gasp of the failed Burmese Resistance Movement to the British colonial occupation of 1885-c.1895.
Published:
Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.189-90, no.S11, figs.4.152-64.