Fine, Colonial Burmese Silver Hand Mirror

This fine hand mirror made in Burma for the colonial market has a bevelled glass mirror on one side, and on the reverse, in  high relief, a well-composed scene drawing on what is likely the Manohara Jataka, one of the stories of the past lives of the Buddha. This one, which is popular in Burma, tells how the kinnari Manohara is caught by a hunter who plans to give it to Prince Sudhana, the Buddha-to-be. (A kinnari is a mythical half-human, half-bird creature.)  This is all within a vegetal frame topped by a bird.

The handle section is similarly decorated in high relief.

After the defeat of the Konbaung dynasty by the British in 1885, Burmese silversmiths directed their talents to producing works for the new rulers – the British and their families. The work of Burma’s silversmiths was further supported by the British who staged exhibitions, fairs and competitions both in Burma and abroad aimed at promoting the work of skilled artisans, and so the number of silversmiths increased. The silversmiths found new markets and adapted their work for these new markets, combing traditional themes with European forms.

The condition is excellent. There is some expected wear to the higher relief components. The mirror has no loss to the silvering.