Page 82 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC

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A SILVER PICKLED TEA-LEAF SALAD PLATTER
LOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), CIRCA 1910
16 7/8 in. (43 cm) high; 15 1/8 in. (38.5 cm) diameter;
67 troy oz (2,089 grams) approximate weight

$25,000 - 35,000
While Burmese silversmiths also produced services for drinking tea in the manner to which
British expatriates were accustomed, this ceremonial platter was made to house Burmese
pickled tea-leaf salad (laphet-thoke). Myanmar is one of few countries where tea is consumed
as both beverage and food. Historically synonymous with peace offerings, a pickled tea-
leaf salad is a traditional delicacy often served to guests during Buddhist ceremonies and
secular festivals. Everyday salad platters usually consist of a lacquer bowl subdivided into
compartments for different ingredients. Lifting the dome-shaped lid of this rare and exceptional
silver centerpiece reveals a circular platform designed for holding one such lacquer receptacle.

The platter’s overall shape is redolent of a Buddhist stupa and consists of three main
components. First, a wide circular tray for the salad bowl rests on three legs of a mythical
beast, which is a common motif in Buddhist art for the components of a sacred object that may
come into contact with a mundane surface. The tray has a crisp ribbon skirting with scenes
of the Vessantara Jataka. Second, a dome-shaped lid showcases finely worked repoussé
depictions of further scenes from the jataka within scalloped frames surrounded by ebullient
foliage. Lastly, the lid is topped by a tall, pointed spire with lotus petals and umbrellas that
resemble distinctive Burmese stupa finials as well as helmets worn by the Konbaung dynasty
(1782-1885), the last dynasty to rule Burma (c.f. an illustrated manual of Konbaung ceremonial
costumes in the Victoria & Albert Museum [IM.320-1924]).

Recounting Gautama Buddha’s final incarnation before being reborn as Prince Siddhartha,
Vessantara is the most beloved jataka in Myanmar. According to Shaw, in rural areas the story
is constantly recited and enacted (through drama, dance, and puppetry) whereas the life of
Siddhartha is relatively unknown. It was also among the jatakas that the penultimate king
of Burma, Mindon Min (r.1853-78), identified as providing particularly useful models for his
courtiers to emulate (Shaw, The Jatakas, 2006 [Introduction]). In the Vessantara Jataka, the
bodhisattva perfects the virtue of generosity (dana). This silver service’s lid depicts the story’s
first great act of charity, showing Prince Vessantara giving away his kingdom’s highly prized
white elephant, which brings rain, to a neighboring kingdom suffering from severe drought and
famine. The jataka is therefore a fitting subject for a platter designed to share food with guests.

Published:
Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.50-1 & 192, no.S8, fig.3.15.

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