Page 89 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC

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A SILVER OFFERING BOWL WITH TWELVE SIGNS OF Rather than narrative representations, the silversmiths of the Shan
THE ZODIAC State in Eastern Burma are better known for their design repertoire
BURMA (MYANMAR), SHAN STATE, DATED 1895 drawing from nature, mythical creatures, and astrology. This well-
A lotus bud design and a dated inscription on the underside of the formed, lantern-shaped bowl displays the twelve signs of the Burmese
base translated: “1257 [1895 CE]. 1st week, 2nd day of January, zodiac in scalloped frames. Additionally, facing each of the cardinal
Chaudakha Township. Mr Hlaing’s bowl. 180 tola. Wishes for safety directions is a triratna symbol representing the three ‘gems’ of
and to avert danger”. Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha (community).
9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm) high; 15 3/4 in. (40 cm) diameter; The remainder of this large bowl’s surface is predominantly patterned
84 1/2 troy oz (2,625 grams) approximate weight with pierced floral arabesques that prompt a creative play with light
and reflection. The bowl’s dedicatory inscription includes a wish for
$20,000 - 30,000 protection. Such appeals are commonly found among merit-generating
art objects created for Buddhist temple donations. However, the wish
seems all the more amplified when acknowledging that the bowl was
made during the last gasp of the failed Burmese Resistance Movement
to the British colonial occupation of 1885-c.1895.

Published:
Owens, Burmese Silver Art, pp.189-90, no.S11, figs.4.152-64.

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