ANTIQUE 20thC BURMESE REPOUSSÉ SOLID SILVER "MAHANIPATA JATAKA" BOWL c.1915

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Antique 20th Century Burmese (Myanmar) solid silver bowl in circular form, finely chased with detailed scenes depicting a rare compilation of the Mahanipata Jataka, each represented in one of its ten narrative scenes. The name of the individual Jataka is inscribed on the face of the bowl beneath each scene. Of the 547 jatakas in the traditional Theravada Pali collection, the final ten are the most frequently represented in Burmese silverwork.

These are known as the Mahanipata Jataka and recount the bodhisattva's final perfection of ten key Buddhist virtues.

Reference Number: DO11317

Antique 20th Century Burmese (Myanmar) solid silver bowl in circular form, finely chased with detailed scenes depicting a rare compilation of the Mahanipata Jataka, each represented in one of its ten narrative scenes. The name of the individual Jataka is inscribed on the face of the bowl beneath each scene. Of the 547 jatakas in the traditional Theravada Pali collection, the final ten are the most frequently represented in Burmese silverwork.

These are known as the Mahanipata Jataka and recount the bodhisattva's final perfection of ten key Buddhist virtues.

Reference Number: DO11317

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Through the captivating allegorical imagery depicted on Burmese silverwork, the core teachings of the Buddha were made more accessible to laypeople. In this manner, Burmese silverwork functioned as an engaging educational tool, reinforcing Burmese Buddhist values. The underside has an inscription, translated, "Madam Shan Ma's silver bowl". Acid tested, showing a 900+ silver standard.

Yet, the jatakas also extended beyond the temple or household and into the political and public spheres. The penultimate king of Burma, Mindon (r.1853–78), urged his ministers to behave like their counterparts in the jatakas, identifying the Mahanipata Jataka as particularly informative. The revival of Buddhism was a matter close to Mindon's heart, and his new capital Mandalay, founded in 1857, became the spiritual centre of Theravada Buddhism (Bechert & Gombrich (eds.), The World of Buddhism, 1984, p.148).

This item has been published — Burmese Silver Art: Masterpieces Illuminating Buddhist, Hindu and Mythological Stories of Purpose and Wisdom, 2020, p.81, no. S84, fig. 3.64.

Bonhams, The Noble Silver Collection: Treasures from the Burmese Silver Age, 14 – 24 March 2022, New York, lot 940.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs. 

SIZE

Height: 16 cm // 6.30 inches
Diameter: 28.5 cm // 11.22 inches
Weight: 1355 grams // 43.57 ozt