Censer - .970 silver

Antique Burmese Solid Silver Buddhist Offering Vessel — Repoussé Decoration — Myanmar — c. 1900 — 40 g

An unusual and highly decorative antique Burmese solid silver ceremonial vessel, originating from Myanmar (Burma) and probably dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Tested 97% silver with XRF and acid

The piece is inspired by the traditional Burmese hsun-ok, a type of ceremonial vessel historically associated with carrying or presenting offerings to Buddhist monasteries and temples. Traditional hsun-ok vessels are characterized by a bowl raised on a pedestal and an architectural, pagoda-like pointed cover. (British Museum⁠)

This particularly rare miniature example is executed in solid silver and displays elaborate hand-worked decoration throughout. The bulbous body, pedestal and cover are richly ornamented with repoussé and chased scrolling floral and foliate motifs, demonstrating the detailed metalworking traditionally associated with Burmese silver.

The removable upper section rises into an elegant stepped stupa/pagoda-shaped spire, giving the object its distinctive Southeast Asian silhouette.

Burmese ceremonial silver from around 1900 is well documented, including high-grade silver ritual vessels decorated extensively in repoussé. Comparable Burmese silver ritual vessels were used for presenting offerings such as fruit and flowers at Buddhist temples. (Dorotheum⁠)

Details

* Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
* Period: Late 19th / early 20th century, circa 1900
* Material: Solid silver 97%
* Weight: Approx. 73 g
* Technique: Hand-worked, repoussé and chased decoration
* Decoration: Floral and scrolling foliate motifs
* Form: Pedestal vessel with removable pointed ceremonial cover
* Condition: Antique condition with visible age-related wear and natural patina, consistent with its age and use. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the description.