Lot 53
Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. This exquisite wooden ceremonial storage case is accompanied by three Buddhist Kammawa (Kammavaca) manuscript pages. The pages, made from either palm fronds or textile, are adorned using the "shwe zawa" technique, where gold leaf is applied over a red lacquer surface to create delicate scrolling foliage and celestial beings, with bold Burmese script in black lacquer layered on top. The lacquered box is intricately crafted with thayo and decorated with hundreds of colorful small mirrors. Thayo, a mixture of lacquer and ash shaped into a putty, is used to form the raised motifs on the box. The elaborate box features a hinged lid for easy access to the manuscripts, and it rests on a separate base supported by four animal-paw feet. Size of box: 32" L x 15" W x 11.5" H (81.3 cm x 38.1 cm x 29.2 cm); page: 22.5" L x 5" W (57.2 cm x 12.7 cm)
The kammawa is one of the most ornate types of Burmese manuscripts, traditionally used during monastic ceremonies, particularly for higher ordination. Pages are crafted from palm leaves or even textiles repurposed from the robes of venerated monks. These sacred texts are recited during monastic assemblies and cover topics such as the ordination process for monks, the presentation of robes, the consecration of ordination halls, and the celebration of the full moon festival, among other rituals. The intricate gold leaf designs not only reflect the high status of the texts but also serve to honor the Buddha, the teachings, and the monastic community, creating a visually stunning representation of sacred knowledge. These manuscripts are often stored in specially crafted wooden cases, as seen here, that can be equally ornate.
Provenance: private Truchas, New Mexico, USA collection
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#189297
- Condition: Pressure fissures cracks in the back right corner of the lid, and fissures inside the box and lid interior. Chips and small losses to the corners of the manuscript pages. Small hole punched through the each page. Some scuffs to gilt and lacquer on the pages, but overall excellent.
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