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Antique - early 20th century original offering vessel lacquered ornate gold gilded betel nut box in the shape of a sacred goose (Hintha bird from Mandalay, Myanmar bird "Hamsa").
Hintha bird is the Burmese version of the sacred Indian goose called Hamsa which symbolizes perfect union and is associated with royalty.
One reference noted this vessel was used in Burma at ceremonies when young men entered a monastery as a novice. Such a box was intended to evoke the princely luxuries that Prince Siddhartha chose to give up when he embarked on a spiritual career which lead him to become the Buddha.
The bird's wings are metal and encrusted with glass details. The underside of the bird and the bowl is orange-ish red lacquer. Base materials are wood or Papier Mache? And metal.
Burmese lacquer makers excelled in building up high relief with applied decoration, as seen on this piece.
The hintha is further embellished with moulded relief work in lacquer putty, a technique known as thayo, then stuck onto the surface and embellished with gold leaves, stones, glass, and mirror pieces were inlaid to add value and opulence.
The body of the hintha separates into two halves revealing a shallow cavity decorated in plain lacquer where small quantities of betel nuts are stored.
There are some losses to the lacquerwork as noted in the photos. It is minor and consistent with age. We have only seen a few of these beautiful boxes in two different sizes. This one comes with a matching laquered and gilded stand that we haven’t seen before.
Fine example of extraordinary Burmese art.
Shipping free in lower 48 states. Please inquire for shipping costs if you live elsewhere. Will be carefully packed and insured with signature required.
Box dimensions:
10ʺW × 7” H x 6-1/“ W
Stand dimensions:
7” H x 8” W
