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Miniature Stupas

6th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Model stupas (burial mounds) are an important touchstone in understanding the types of monumental stupas favored in Pyu Myanmar. A rod of iron supports the multiple umbrellas (chattravala) and is capped with a device to support banner-like projections. Cylindrical stupa models were widely favored as containers for sutras (sacred texts) in both South and East Asia and likely served the same function in a Pyu Buddhist setting. Both of these miniatures were once sealed at the base, though no trace of a sacred deposit was recorded with their discovery.

cat. no. 31a, b

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Miniature Stupas
  • Date: 6th century
  • Culture: Central Myanmar
  • Medium: Silver and iron
  • Dimensions: H. 9 1/16 in. (23 cm); Diam. of base: 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Myanmar, Yangon (1619 [left], 1620 [right])
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art