Vessels with Birds

MYANMAR

Used to make offerings, these vessels were usually placed on an altar on either side of a Buddha image. They were created in Myanmar during the late 19th century.
The vessels are made of bamboo and covered in gold lacquer. They consist of a base, bowl, lid with spire, and finial. There is a tray inside the bowl, and the vessels are about 116 cm high. The base consists of a series of tiers with designs in the form of lotus petals, and flowers inlaid with colored stones. The bowl has a narrow lotus design at the bottom and is divided into two sections which are decorated in swirling floral, abstract, and animal patterns, and are again inlaid with colored stones. The lids are in the form of a pagoda surmounted by a mythical hamsa bird, a stylized goose. These birds are exquisite with striking heads, bejeweled chests, and impressive tails. On their backs, they have stacked rings followed by a jeweled finial.