Page 86 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC
P. 86
334
A PARCEL-GILT SILVER SPORTING CUP The British tradition of using silver for trophies, awards, and other
LOWER BURMA (MYANMAR), DATED 1889 commemorative functions contributed significantly to the enthusiastic
An inscription on the rim of the cup: “Mandalay. Nov 89 Great Eastern colonial investment in the silversmithing trade, which had previously
Handicap BR C.B.P. “Bob”. been restricted to the Burmese court. This beaker, with a gilded
5 7/8 in. (15 cm) high; 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm) diameter; interior, and a whimsical exterior showing horse riders in traditional
11 troy oz (336 g) approximate weight Burmese attire, is one such sporting trophy commissioned for the
Great Eastern Handicap in Mandalay won by Brigadier ‘Bob’ four years
$3,000 - 5,000 after the British abolished the Konbaung dynasty’s silver sumptuary
laws in 1885.
Published:
Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.103-4, no.S134, fig.3.120.
84 | BONHAMS
