Matched Pair of 19th Century Antique Burmese Silver Repoussé Thabeik Bowls

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Own a genuine, family-provenance piece of Burmese silversmithing history with this magnificent antique matched pair of hand-worked decorative silver "Thabeik" … Read more Own a genuine, family-provenance piece of Burmese silversmithing history with this magnificent antique matched pair of hand-worked decorative silver "Thabeik" bowls. Modeled after the traditional rounded form of Buddhist monks' begging or alms vessels, decorative bowls of this high caliber were crafted by elite master silversmiths during Lower Burma's renowned "Silver Age" (circa 1890–1910).

These bowls were originally purchased in Rangoon, Burma, by a senior US Embassy official and have been meticulously kept within the family ever since.

Each bowl is meticulously hand-hammered from the reverse to raise the intricate design in true, high three-dimensional relief. It is then finished with incredibly fine hand chasing throughout the background scrollwork. The continuous narrative friezes depict courtly and mythical figures, drawing on traditional storytelling imagery characteristic of fine Burmese and Siamese silverwork, such as the Ramayana (Yama Zatdaw) or Jataka tales of the Buddha's past lives.

The depth of the relief is genuinely striking, with figures projecting well above the stippled background. This technique takes immense skill and time, serving as a definitive hallmark of finer handmade artisan pieces rather than shallow, quickly produced tourist work.

Technical Details: Each base is a flat silver disc bordered by a beautifully scalloped lotus leaf band. Faint yellow gold solder patches visible in the deeply recessed areas of the interior are consistent with traditional regional coin silver alloy (silver with a copper content) subjected to extreme artisan torch heat during production, rather than a modern uniform sterling refinement.

As is typical and expected for pieces made for local or personal luxury use rather than broad export, neither bowl carries a maker's mark. The silver alloy has been professionally tested by acid and is confirmed genuine high-grade silver.

Each bowl measures 3.5 inches in rim diameter, approximately 4 inches overall diameter, stands 2.5 inches tall, with a total combined weight for the pair of 233.30 grams.

Finding a beautifully preserved, complementary pair with identical scrollwork density, matching design language, and documented diplomatic provenance is an exceptional rarity. They function perfectly as statement centerpieces on a console table, sophisticated vanity accents, or vital cabinet additions for connoisseurs of fine Asian metalwork. See less