Description
A barrel-shaped silver box decorated with scenes in cellular mode from a Jataka (tales of the former lives of the Buddha from Buddhist literature) illustrating the birth and early life stories of the Bodhisatta. Above and below the main decorative panel are repeating wide and narrow bands of geometric and scrolling foliate designs; the foliate band within the upper group of bands forming the rim is in typical high relief and the lower foliate band comprises pairs of stylized lotus leaves. The five panels of repoussé figures in high relief show people seated and standing, grouped in various scenes all set against typical chased scenery of layered hills and trees with stylized clouds above.
The lid has five cartouches each with a single Bodhisatta figure in varying poses surrounding a central lotus boss surmounted by a Kanenaree figure finial. The Kanenaree is a very gentle mythical bird with human head and torso, and is a symbol of true love.
The box and lid are made of a good gauge of silver of high purity, probably 0.925 or better.
Maker’s mark:
There is no maker’s signature.
Dimensions & Weight:
Diameter (at rim): 10 cm / 4 ins; Height (to top of finial): 18.5 cm / 7 ¼ ins. Weight: 424 gm / 13.6 ozT
Jatakas as Decorative Inspiration
Decoration on Burmese silver, characterized by deep repoussé and finely chased details, most commonly consists of renderings of the Jatakas or stories of the previous lives of the Buddha. These show much more variation in the treatment of subject matter than do illustrations of the ‘Life of Buddha’, portrayals of which tend to be limited to votive objects for which the religion forbids the use of precious metals. Everyday bowls, betel boxes and trays, on the other hand, may be embellished with scenes from one or more of the ‘Last Ten Great Birth Tales of the Buddha’. Jataka stories often lend themselves to panoramic portrayals on the rectangular surfaces of trays and boxes.
