Burmese Silver from the Colonial Period

This catalogue presents an exceptional collection of rare Burmese silver, accompanied by detailed photographs and explanatory texts. It proposes a new way of looking at Burmese silver by examining silver patterns, revealing strong links with Burmese art history and contemporary artistic trends. The first European to write about Burmese silver was H. L. Tilly, who published two volumes in 1902 and 1904 that contain pictures of pieces from the early to mid 19th-century. Alexandra Green examines silver from a local perspective, drawing on Burmese texts and information to explore how designs and patterns circulated around the country and were innovatively combined and recombined on pieces by silversmiths.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Ad Ilissum

This captivating catalogue showcases an extraordinary array of rare Burmese silver. Accompanied by detailed photographs and informative texts, this groundbreaking book presents a fresh perspective on Burmese silver. Identifying the who, when, where, and what of Burmese silver has been the focus of publications on the topic. However, Alexandra Green argues that these questions are not the most effective way to understand silver. Too few pieces provide reliable information about silversmiths, production locations, and dates to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Instead, a close examination of silver patterns reveals strong connections with Burmese art history, stretching back as far as the Bagan period (11th to 13th centuries), connections with contemporary artistic trends, and participation within the broader world of silversmithing.

The first European to write about Burmese silver was H. L. Tilly, a colonial official from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Tasked with collecting objects for various fairs and exhibitions, he took an interest in Burmese art, publishing articles and books from the 1880s onwards. While much of what he wrote was factually inaccurate and coloured by the prejudices and stereotypes common at the time, his two volumes on Burmese silver published in 1902 and 1904 contain pictures of pieces from the early to mid-19th century. These enable a reconstruction of how silver designs evolved as the country was absorbed into the Indian Raj, and British and other Westerners became consumers of local silver products. Tilly was also correct in his interest in silver designs. Green uses the visual information from his books to describe the continuities and innovations of designs found on silver from the mid-19th century.

The Bagan period (11th to 13th centuries) witnessed the flourishing of Burmese silver, with intricate designs and patterns emerging. The silvermiths of this era were skilled in creating delicate and ornate pieces, often featuring Buddhist motifs and mythical creatures. During this time, Burmese silver became highly sought after by both local and foreign traders, and the country's silver industry played a significant role in its economic development.

However, the mid-19th century marked a significant turning point in Burmese silver history. The arrival of British and other Westerners in the country led to the introduction of new technologies and styles of silverware. The British, in particular, had a strong influence on Burmese silver, introducing new designs and techniques that were influenced by their own cultural traditions. This led to the development of a distinctive Burmese silver style that combined traditional Burmese motifs with Western influences.

One of the most notable features of Burmese silver from the mid-19th century was the use of granulation. Granulation is a technique where small particles of silver are applied to the surface of a piece of silver to create a smooth and shiny finish. This technique was first introduced to Burmese silver by British silversmiths and quickly became popular among local silversmiths. Granulation added a new level of detail and sophistication to Burmese silver, making it even more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts.

Another important feature of Burmese silver from the mid-19th century was the use of enamel. Enamel is a thin layer of glass that is applied to the surface of silver to create a colourful and intricate design. Enamel was first introduced to Burmese silver by British silversmiths and quickly became popular among local silversmiths. Enamel added a new level of complexity and depth to Burmese silver, making it even more visually appealing.

In addition to these technical innovations, Burmese silver from the mid-19th century also featured a range of new designs and motifs. These included floral patterns, geometric patterns, and animal motifs, which were inspired by the natural world and the cultural traditions of the Burmese people.

The mid-19th century also saw the rise of the Burmese silver industry as a significant export commodity. Burmese silver was highly prized by Western collectors and traders, and the country's silver industry became a major source of income for the Burmese government. This led to the development of new silver production facilities and the training of new silversmiths, who were able to create even more intricate and beautiful pieces of silver.

However, the mid-19th century also brought challenges to the Burmese silver industry. The introduction of new technologies and styles of silverware led to competition from other countries, particularly China and India. This competition led to a decline in the quality of Burmese silver, as silversmiths were forced to cut corners to compete with cheaper imports.

Despite these challenges, the Burmese silver industry continued to thrive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The country's silver industry was able to adapt to changing market demands and continue to produce high-quality silverware. This led to the development of new styles and motifs, such as the Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles, which were popular in the Western world.

In conclusion, Burmese silver has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. The country's silver industry has evolved from the intricate designs and patterns of the Bagan period to the distinctive Burmese silver style that emerged in the mid-19th century. The use of granulation and enamel, as well as new designs and motifs, added a new level of detail and sophistication to Burmese silver, making it even more desirable to collectors and enthusiasts. The mid-19th century also saw the rise of the Burmese silver industry as a significant export commodity, and the country's silver industry continued to thrive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite challenges, the Burmese silver industry has remained a vital part of the country's economy and culture.

Weight: 1878g
Dimension: 254 x 288 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912168279