Enquiry about object: 8485
Burmese Silver Model of a Stupa or Pagoda
Burma late 19th century
height: 32.3cm, width: 18.1cm, weight (with stand): 1,184g, weight of silver: 270g
Provenance
UK art market
This pleasing model of a Burmese Buddhist pagoda or stupa comprises the upper section of the stupa which is of chased silver, and the original tiered stand of darkened wood (probably teak). The model is likely based on Sule Pagoda in Rangoon.
The stupa is topped with a silver hti (umbrella), and a silver vane. Silver dangles are suspended from the hti.
The section beneath the hti is said to resemble an amalaka (banana bud). Just beneath is a double lotus petal frieze. The mid-section resembles a Buddhist ritual bell (anda). The foot itself is octagonal.
The silver section fits snugly onto the wooden base, and the silver section itself is in two part that are secured with a bayonet fitting. The stupa could serve as a reliquary as the silver section is thus hollow inside with an accessible chamber.
Tilly (1902, plate XIV) illustrates a similar but larger example.
The example here is in excellent condition.
References
Fraser-Lu, S., Silverware of South-East Asia, Oxford University Press, 1989.
Fraser-Lu, S., Burmese Crafts: Past and Present, Oxford University Press, 1994.
Owens, D.C., Burmese Silver Art: Masterpieces Illuminating Buddhist, Hindu and Mythological Stories of Purpose and Wisdom, Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2020.
Tilly, H.L., The Silverwork of Burma (with Photographs by P. Klier), The Superintendent, Government Printing, 1902.
Tilly, H.L., Modern Burmese Silverwork (with Photographs by P. Klier), The Superintendent, Government Printing, 1904.
