Unusual Gilt & Lacquer Burmese Chest Showing a Coconut Tree & the Early Life of the Buddha

This highly unusual wooden chest has been decorated on the hinged lid, the front and the sides in unusually high relief with moulded lacquer relief work, known as thayo work. The lacquer has then been gilded.

One key unusual aspect of this chest is the depiction on the left of the front of a prominent coconut palm tree. It is the only depiction of a palm tree in this manner Burmese lacquer of which we are aware.

Elsewhere figures are shown in traditional Burmese attire. Each panel has a border which includes lion and bird motifs.

The various panels illustrate scenes from the early life of the Buddha prior to his attainment of Enlightenment. Included are a scene where Prince Siddharta (who was to become the Buddha) shows off his prowess at archery to head off other suitors for the hand in marriage of a princess. This is shown on the lid.

The panel on the front of the chest illustrates Prince Siddharta riding in a traditional horse-drawn Burmese cart with a temple-style roof, and where he comes face to face with the signs of impermanence – in this regard, an old man is shown (beneath the coconut palm).

The Great Departure of Prince Siddharta is alluded to on one side of the box. A horse is shown, though Prince Siddharta is not.

The back of the box and the interior is coloured with cinnabar red.

Possibly, the box was intended to hold religious texts, or perhaps textiles.

The chest has a superb patina. Its significant age is clear. One or two figures has lost their heads but even the losses have age and patina. Overall, this is a marvellous and unusual artwork.