Antique Burmese Royal Silver Repoussé Dish by Ava & Mandalay, 1890

Details

Description

Antique 19th Century solid silver Burmese (Myanmar) dish, intricately worked in high relief using the repoussé technique. The central area … Read more Antique 19th Century solid silver Burmese (Myanmar) dish, intricately worked in high relief using the repoussé technique. The central area of the dish is plain, meanwhile the outer edge features a series of finely detailed narrative scenes, drawn from the Jataka tales, stories recounting the past lives of the Buddha. These narratives were a favoured subject in Burmese silversmithing and are surrounded by exquisitely chased foliage on a matted background that adds rich depth and texture to the surface.

This piece is a true testament to the rich cultural heritage and skilled artistry of traditional Burmese silver work. The dish is marked with a very rare 'peacock in display' marking, (the exclusive symbol of the Konbaung royal court in Ava and Mandalay before British colonization). Acid tested shows a high 900+ standard silver purity, judging by the quality and style the piece dates to the 1890's.

The Konbaung royal court, first centred in Ava and later in Mandalay, represented the pinnacle of Burmese monarchical power from the mid-18th to the late 19th century. In Ava, the court was known for its elaborate ceremonial traditions, strict hierarchical structure, and patronage of Buddhist scholarship and the arts. When the capital moved to Mandalay in 1857 under King Mindon, the court became a carefully planned centre of administration and culture, with the Mandalay Palace embodying both political authority and aesthetic sophistication. The court oversaw a complex bureaucracy, controlled regional governance, and maintained extensive rituals to reinforce the king’s divine status, all while fostering literature, painting, and performing arts that reflected the rich cultural heritage of Burma.
CONDITION

In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.

SIZE

Height: 2 cm // 0.79 inches
Depth: 31 cm // 12.20 inches
Weight: 715 g See less