Antiques, Artifacts & Tribal Textiles from Burma

May 2nd, 2013

The diversity and beauty of Burmese arts, crafts and architecture was immediately apparent to early visitors of this ethnically rich region, and today, as the doors of tourism open wider, more people are discovering the wonderful artistic traditions of Burma which began over 2,000 years ago.

Shwedagon Pagoda by Night in Yangon, Burma
Shwedagon Pagoda by Night in Yangon, Burma

Distinctive works of art to be found in Burma include remarkable feats of architecture (notably the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda and the temples of Bagan), bronze work, wood carving, lacquerware, jewellery, ceramics, and textiles. These artistic traditions are largely the legacy of two great influences. Firstly, there are 135 officially recognized ethnic groups in Burma, divided into eight main groups, each with their own unique culture, customs and artistic traditions. Secondly, over the centuries, animism and Buddhism have provided a major source of inspiration for artisans. Evidence of this is apparent at every turn in Burma, from pagodas, images of the Buddha in wood and bronze to Nat spirit sculptures believed to act as guardians and which fulfill an important role in the ‘supernatural’ aspect of life for the peoples of Burma.

Pagodas of Bagan in Rainy Season
Pagodas of Bagan in Rainy Season
Temple at Inle Lake
Temple at Inle Lake

Burmese art forms are often highly imaginative and robust, with an emphasis on surface decoration. Unlike the perception of art in the west, the Burmese make no distinctions between so called ‘fine arts’ such as painting and sculpture and ‘applied arts’ such as the making of lacquerware, bronze bells and wood carvings. Objects of beauty were made for the purpose of furnishing Buddhist temples, royal courts as well as providing common people with well crafted, attractive objects for everyday use. Objet d’art includes highly decorated lacquered bamboo containers used for storing food, bronze zoomorphic weights once used in the market place, bronze bells worn by livestock, and even skillfully carved images made to adorn the facade of simple ox carts. The use of gold and precious stones was generally reserved for works of art found in temples and the royal court.

Featured below and now available in the gallery are some of the artifacts from Burma referred to above. We’ve also included a few photos of these artifacts in a home décor setting and additional Asian home décor photographs can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.

Burmese Antiques: Shan Pipe, Opium Weight, Buffalo Bell
Burmese Antiques: Shan Pipe, Opium Weight, Buffalo Bell
Burmese Antiques: Naga Sculpture, Lacquerware Box, Spirit Wood Carving
Burmese Antiques: Naga Sculpture, Lacquerware Box, Spirit Wood Carving
Burmese Antiques: Collection of Burmese antiques from the gallery.
Asian Home Decor: Hsun-Ok Lacquerware, pre-16thC Sukothai Cermic Bowl
Asian Home Decor: Hsun-Ok Lacquerware, pre-16thC Sukothai Cermic Bowl
Antique Bronze Bell, Antique Buddha Robe Fragment, Antique Naga Carving
Antique Bronze Bell, Antique Buddha Robe Fragment, Antique Naga Carving
Naga Tribal Sofa Throw, Bronze Buddha, Naga, Silk Runner, Sukhothai Pottery
Naga Tribal Sofa Throw, Bronze Buddha, Naga, Silk Runner, Sukhothai Pottery

We recently supplied a selection of tribal textiles from the Naga living in north-west Burma for an upcoming exhibition at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City and have since added several excellent new examples of Naga weaving resplendent with ancient tribal motifs.

Antique Bronze Bells from Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

May 27th, 2009

Antique bronze bells have become one of the most popular items offered in our gallery. Most of our bells are from Burma, but some are from Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and India. The bells of old are generally far more beautiful than bells crafted today. They were cast in bronze and bear a range of attractive designs and often interesting inscriptions. In Burma the tradition of blacksmithing has always been an honoured occupation associated with courage, strength and integrity.

Temple bells donated to the Sangha (order of monks) are held in high esteem. They are sounded three times at the conclusion of personal devotions as an invitation to all sentient beings to share the merit accumulated by their spiritual practices. Onlookers may respond with the congratulatory refrain- thadu, thadu, thadu– well done, well done, well done. The casting of large bells is a major event which takes place with an air of great ceremony and rejoicing. Sweetness of tone is very important for the temple bell. Unlike bronze Buddha images, the bronze was normally composed of 83% copper and 17% tin. In some cases, lead or even silver was added. The smaller temple bells with clappers are often found suspended on the eves of pavilions around temples and are said to attract the attention of the deva of the Tavatimsa Heaven. The gentle tinkling ring serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s endless compassion and deep wisdom. Small temple bells are also used to signal various activities to monks and nuns including the time to rise, meditate, chant, eat and rest.

 Our pastoral bells worn by cattle or buffalo are called hka-lauk in Burmese. They are normally trapezoidal or semi-circular in shape with closed rings at the top so that the bell can be suspended around the animal’s neck with a cord.The clapper is held in place with wire entering through two small holes made in the upper surface of the bell. They are often decorated with very handsome scrolling or geometric designs on the surface. When travelling, the animals would follow the sound of the bell worn by the lead animal. The sound would also warn travellers of their presence on narrow mountain passes. The bells are also said to scare off predatory animals as well as help farmers locate their animals after being set free to graze.

The spherical elephant bells known in Burma as chu are similarly decorated and would help the mahout locate his elephant after being set free to forage in the jungle. Though popularly referred to as elephant bells, we are told by our Burmese friends that these bells were also worn by other animals including ponies and oxen.

Bronze bells often have interesting inscriptions including the seal or name of the maker, information about historical towns and their economic situation, customs of the people and the orthography of the period in which the bell was cast. For example, bells may bear the names of kings, queens or members of the aristocracy as well as high ranking military officers. The value of a bell depends on age, quality of bronze and patina, decoration and condition. Each bell has its own individual physical characteristics, ring tone, and story to tell.