From Mandalay – the city and royal capital of northern Burma.
Elephants, elephants, elephants . . . all around and on the bottom. Elephants are most revered among most animals by Buddhists throughout Southeast Asia . . .and they appear all over this box along with rich and gorgeous designs.
Decorative boxes like this were – and still are – used to present alms to temple monks. Alms are placed in the box and it is placed on a cloth in front of the monk for receipt.
This lacquerware was owned by an influential family due to its size, handwork and construction.
Three pieces. It is very, very difficult to find lacquerware of this size and age….. and especially in almost perfect condition.
For the Serious Collector.