Page 80 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC

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A SILVER TEA SET The set contains all the components of a formal English tea service:
LOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), DATED 1903 scalloped rectangular salver, tea pot, coffee pot, creamer, and
The salver’s plain central medallion bears the engraved names of 28 sugar bowl. However, its ornamentation is inspired by the Burmese
flotilla commanders and an English inscription: “Presented to F.C. Ramayana dance-drama, as dancers in traditional attire form the
Kennedy C.I.E. General Manager Irrawaddy Flotilla Co. Ltd. As a mark handles and finials of each vessel, and vignettes embellish their
of esteem by the Commanders of the Flotilla Co. Ltd.” surfaces. The spout of each pouring vessel takes the form of a
Creamer: 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm) high; mythical goose (hamsa). The salver’s scalloped edge displays further
Coffee pot: 9 1/2 in. (24 cm) high; scenes from the Ramayana, all accomplished with confident figural
Salver: 23 1/4 in. (59 cm) long; 15 in. (38 cm) wide; modelling and chased details.
234 1/2 troy oz (7,300 grams) approximate combined weight
The names of 28 commanders of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company
$20,000 - 30,000 are engraved in the center of the salver. Some of these commanders
participated in the Third Anglo-Burmese War (7-29 November 1885).
J. J. Cooper led the PS Ashley paddle steamer and delivered the
Blending European form and function with Burmese subjects and British military ultimatum to King Thibaw in Mandalay. Captain W. N.
motifs, this commemorative silver tea set exemplifies the hybridity of Beckett commanded the PS Palow and captured Minhla Fort on 17
Burmese silver when produced for foreign tourists and expatriates. The November 1885, thereby and ensuring the defeat of the Konbaung
salver bears the names of at least two British commanders who were dynasty (1752-1885).
intimately involved in the defeat of the last king of Burma, and, with
him, the abolishment of silver sumptuary laws, thus enabling Burmese Published:
silversmiths to produce such works for a broader clientele. Moreover, Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.112-5, no.S137, fig.3.136.
the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, whose members commissioned this
tea service, grew to become the ‘greatest river fleet on earth’. At its
peak in the 1920s, it comprised over 600 vessels carrying some 9
million passengers a year along the Irrawaddy River, some of whom
would have represented this international market for Burmese silver.

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