Colonial Burmese Zodiac Silver Bowl

Silver Pedestal Bowl chased with the Burmese Zodiac

This well made silver pedestal bowl of elegant proportions is chased with the symbols of the Burmese zodiac within cartouches interspersed between scrolling foliage and within scrolling foliage and lotus petal borders. There is one blank cartouche no doubt intended to be engraved with an inscription. The flared foot is engraved with a wide foliage border.

The zodiac as it appears on this bowl is as follows:

Month – Symbol – Western Zodiac Equivalent

April –

Meittha (ram) – Aries  

May –

Pyeittha (bull) – Taurus

June –

Mei-don (male nat-like figure) – Gemini

July –

Karakat (crab) – Cancer

August –

Thein (lion) – Leo

September –

Kan (female) – Virgo

October – Tu (Person holding scales) – Libra

November –

Pyeitsa (scorpian) – Scorpio

December –

Nu (archer with bow) – Saggitarius

January –

Makaya (half fish, half elephant)- Capricorn

February –

Kon (water pot) – Aquarius

March –

Mein (fish) – Pisces

The bowl is of a good weight. The walls have a leasing thickness. There are no dents, splits or repairs.

Fraser-Lu, S., Burmese Crafts: Past and Present, Oxford University Press, 1994.

Wilkinson, W.R.T.,

Indian Silver 1858-1947, 1999.

UK art market