ANTIQUE 20thC BURMESE SOLID SILVER MYTHOLOGICAL ZODIAC REPOUSSÉ SALVER c.1900
Antique early 20th Century Exceptional solid silver Burmese (Myanmar) dish, particularly large and intricately worked in high relief using the repoussé techniques. The central design features a series of finely detailed mythological scenes, each drawn from the Jataka tales, stories recounting the past lives of the Buddha. These narratives were a favoured subject in Burmese silversmithing and are surrounded by exquisitely chased scrolling foliage that adds rich depth and texture to the surface.
Reference Number: A00021
Antique early 20th Century Exceptional solid silver Burmese (Myanmar) dish, particularly large and intricately worked in high relief using the repoussé techniques. The central design features a series of finely detailed mythological scenes, each drawn from the Jataka tales, stories recounting the past lives of the Buddha. These narratives were a favoured subject in Burmese silversmithing and are surrounded by exquisitely chased scrolling foliage that adds rich depth and texture to the surface.
Reference Number: A00021
Antique early 20th Century Exceptional solid silver Burmese (Myanmar) dish, particularly large and intricately worked in high relief using the repoussé techniques. The central design features a series of finely detailed mythological scenes, each drawn from the Jataka tales, stories recounting the past lives of the Buddha. These narratives were a favoured subject in Burmese silversmithing and are surrounded by exquisitely chased scrolling foliage that adds rich depth and texture to the surface.
Reference Number: A00021
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Encircling the salver’s outer edge are twelve framed zoomorphic figures representing the Burmese Zodiac signs. While astronomically aligned with the Western Zodiac, the Burmese versions include distinct local names and symbolic representations:
Makara (Sea Monster / Capricorn) – Pya-tho (January)
Kon (Water Pot / Aquarius) – Tabo-dwe (February)
Mein (Fish / Pisces) – Tabaung (March)
Meiktha (Horned Ram / Aries) – Tagu (April)
Pyeik-tha (Bull / Taurus) – Kahson (May)
Mei-Don (Mythical Bird / Gemini) – Nayon (June)
Karaka (Crab / Cancer) – Wazo (July)
Thein (Lion / Leo) – Wa-gaung (August)
Kan (Virgin / Virgo) – Taw-thalin (September)
Tu (Scales / Libra) – Thadin-gyut (October)
Byeik-sa (Scorpion / Scorpio) – Tazaung-mon (November)
Danu (Archer / Sagittarius) – Na-daw (December)
This piece is a true testament to the rich cultural heritage and skilled artistry of traditional Burmese silverwork. The salver is unmarked as is often the case, acid tested shows a high 900+ standard silver purity, judging by the quality and style the piece dates to the 1880's. The central roundel engraved 'T.M.L.-E.A.L / 1900-1925'.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.
SIZE
Height: 2 cm // 0.79 inches
Diameter: 46 cm // 18.11 inches
Weight: 1680 grams // 54.01 ozt