Page 87 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC

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A PAIR OF SILVER BOWLS WITH PRUNUS TREE BLOSSOMS Representing the largest ethnic minority in Myanmar, primarily living
AND BIRDS in the eastern Burmese Shan State, the Shan people are a Tai
BURMA (MYANMAR), SHAN STATE, CIRCA 1925 ethnic group whose ancestry is traced back to Yunnan and Sichuan
Each underside patterned with a large incised prunus tree. provinces in modern-day Southwest China. The pointed finials on
10 in. (25.5 cm) high; 10 1/4 in. (26 cm) diameter; the lids of both vessels, which likely would have been produced for
51 troy oz (1,585 grams) approximate weight a Shan patron, is a common feature in Shan material culture. The
inclusion of a hawk capturing a smaller bird in flight depicted on each
$6,000 - 8,000 vessel would also be considered a distinct local variation on the overall
Chinese motif. The containers derive their shape from rice storage
jars, although their clean interior condition suggests they served an
This pair of large, lidded bowls patterned with popular Chinese ornamental or limited ceremonial function.
motifs of flowering prunus trees, birds, and rock work illuminates the
broader tapestry of foreign stylistic influences—beyond the British— Published:
incorporated by Burmese silversmiths, who worked for the multi-ethnic Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.95, 97 & 192, nos.S5 & S6, fig.3.93.
peoples of Myanmar.

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