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A SILVER PIERCED OFFERING BOWL WITH CHARACTERS FROM THE RAMAYANA
LOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), CIRCA 1905
8 1/4 in. (21 cm) high; 12 5/8 in. (32 cm) diameter;
62 troy oz (1,922 grams) approximate weight
$10,000 - 15,000

Eight key characters from the Ramayana are represented around this large ceremonial offering
bowl. The silversmith frames each within intricate floral pillars and narrow bands of silver fillet.
His working of the subjects in high-relief repoussé against a pierced background adds depth
and clarity to their dramatic poses. Identified by signature costumes and props, the subjects
depicted are Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, King Janaka, Sugriva, Vishvamitra, Maricha, and Ravana.
The bowl's visual abbreviation of the Ramayana's narrative into only its key characters, and the
portrayal of Rama and Sita in the dress of a Konbaung king and queen, are illustrative of the
popularity of the dance drama version of the Ramayana performed at the royal theater. One
might infer that the beautifully worked design appealed to its patrons as a memento of their
attendance of such a performance, and an indication of their status.

The relatively large scale and high relief of the figures, as well as the openwork background,
can be compared with other bowls produced by elite silversmiths around the early 1900s in
the Noble Silver Collection, including one dated by inscription to 1905 by Maung Yin Maung
(Owens, Burmese Silver Art, p.66, no.3.41; also see nos.3.42, 3.43 & and 3.61).

Published:
Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.75 & 177-9, no.147, figs.3.54 & 4.114-22.

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