Myanmar/Burmese Kammavaca Scripture, 19th century

$4,800.00 AUD

Myanmar/Burmese Kammavaca Scripture, of long rectangular form, richly decorated.
Comprising:
16 inscribed pages, some double-sided, inscribed in black ‘magyi zi’ lacquer (made from tamarind seed) script, plus front & back covers, the whole with red lacquer ground illustrated in gilt with scenes from Buddha’s life, along with original woven binding ribbon woven with a ‘sarsekyo’ prayer.

19th century

each leaf 15x61cm
minor wear to gold & edges of leaves

A Kammavaca is a highly ornamental type of manuscript commissioned by lay members of society as a work of merit, to be presented to monasteries when a son enters the Buddhist Order as a novice or becomes ordained as a monk.

Provenance: Purchased Burma late 20th century; for an identical one see:

British Library:
http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=or_12010_a_f001r

Christies:
https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-large-buddhist-manuscript-konbaung-dynasty-burma-5552706-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=5552706&sid=f79b0e2d-c844-4bb8-8066-292865cc8707

In stock