Mid 20th Century Vintage Burmese Ceremonial Rice Offering Basket With Buddhist Script and Rattan Weaving

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A rare vintage Burmese rice basket wrapped in rattan and inscribed with Buddhist merit text. Rich lacquer, sacred symbolism, and … Read more A rare vintage Burmese rice basket wrapped in rattan and inscribed with Buddhist merit text. Rich lacquer, sacred symbolism, and artisan craftsmanship make this a striking collectible or spiritual décor accent.

Full Description:

This beautifully preserved mid-20th century Burmese ceremonial rice basket is more than a storage vessel—it's a sacred object used in Buddhist offering rituals. Crafted from a combination of finely woven rattan, bamboo, and lacquered wood, it was traditionally used to carry rice and offerings to monasteries, symbolizing generosity and spiritual merit in Theravāda Buddhist practice.

The surface is adorned with intricate Burmese script, most likely Pali-language invocations honoring the Buddha and conveying blessings or dedications. These inscriptions are hand-painted in black ink and bordered in gold, wrapping around both the lid and body. The base features floral carvings in black lacquer, while the basket's vertical rattan weave showcases the artisan’s skill. A wrapped handle crowns the lid, adding both function and form.

The basket was acquired from a Dallas-based collector of Asian antiques who was downsizing after many years of thoughtful collecting. It remains in excellent vintage condition, retaining its original patina, structure, and legibility of the inscriptions.

Whether styled in a minimalist space for contrast or displayed within a global or boho interior, this ceremonial basket brings spiritual symbolism, craftsmanship, and cultural texture to any environment.

Notes from seller:
This ceremonial rice offering basket was purchased from a woman in Dallas who spent decades collecting Asian antiques and folk art before relocating to a smaller home. The inscriptions are likely Buddhist merit texts in Burmese script, typically used to dedicate the act of offering rice or goods to monks. In Theravāda Buddhist cultures, such gestures were believed to bring blessings, protection, and spiritual merit to the donor and their family. This piece was likely used in a temple context or gifted to a monastery.

Keywords: Vintage rice basket, Burmese lacquer box, Buddhist offering vessel, Southeast Asian basket, Burmese folk art, lacquered wood basket, rattan rice basket, temple donation box, spiritual decor, vintage Burmese container See less