5016

Enquiry about object: 5016

    Your First Name (required)

    Your Last Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Country (required)

    Your Message

    Burmese Painted Folding Book (Parabaik)

    Burma
    late 19th century

    length when open: 65cm, width: 28cm

    Sold

    Provenance

    UK art market

    – scroll down to see further images –

    This folded book or parabaik which comprises a single, long, rectangular piece of thick hand-made mulberry paper, is decorated on one side with a large scene, and is plain on the other side.

    It is painted with water-soluble pigments and has six folded panels. The scene might show an episode from the Konmara story, a jataka-inspired folk story, popular in Burma towards the end of the 19thy century.

    The scene includes  31 princely and noble figures and musicians, and eight horses.

    The scene is surrounded by a yellow border and has two short segments of Burmese script beneath.

    The earliest known parabaiks date to the mid-18th century and seem to have originated mostly from Mandalay. Originally, they were made for patrons associated with the court, but later, they were also commissioned by wealthier Burmese, to mark special occasions and ritual events.

    The example here is in excellent condition. Almost certainly, it has been in the UK since colonial times which would account for its excellent state of preservation.

    References

    Fraser-Lu, S., & D.M. Stadtner, Buddhist Art of Myanmar, Asia Society Museum, 2015.

    Murphy, S. (ed.), Cities and Kings: Ancient Treasures from Myanmar, Asian Civilisations Museum, 2016.

    Schafer, D., et al., Myanmar: von Pagoden, Longyis und Nat-Geistern, Museum Funf Kontinente, 2014.

    Dozens of items are added to our website each month. Be among the first to know about them.
     
    Sign up to our monthly catalogue