Bowl

Date20th century

MediumSilver

Dimensions4 × 7 inches (10.2 × 17.8 cm)

CultureBurma

ClassificationsMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Professor Robert B. Jones

Terms

Metalwork
Burmese

Object number98.083.008

Label CopyThis silver bowl is based on the thabeik, or monk's begging bowl, and was generally reserved for ceremonial purposes. The repousse imagery typically features episodes from the jatakas (stories of the Buddha's former lives) or stories from Burmese folk tales or the Indian epic, the Ramayana. Under British colonialism during the nineteenth century, Victorian influence emphasized elaborate decoration and deeper repousse in silverware design. Burmese silver was popularly collected during the colonial period and displayed at exhibitions of industrial art held in the British colonies.

Collections