Royal processions, ceremonies and entertainments

Court of King Mindon or Thibaw, or associated workshops Burmese

1870s–1880s

Not on view

This traditional Burmese folding paper manuscript, called parabaik in Burmese, is painted on a locally produced mulberry bark paper. Fifteen scenes are depicted, composed in a series of two, four and six page compositions, spanning a total of 66 pages. They depict scenes of court processions, ceremonies and entertainments. The painting style was developed in the reign of King Mindon and continued under King Thibaw. It displays an hybridity born of traditional Burmese religious narrative painting blended with European pictorial devices. This example is especially elaborate and lavish, with gilt lacquer covers.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Royal processions, ceremonies and entertainments
Artist: Court of King Mindon or Thibaw, or associated workshops
Date: 1870s–1880s
Culture: Burma
Medium: Watercolor and gold on mulberry paper, with gilt lacquered wood covers and cloth lined box
Dimensions: Customized box: H. 17 in. (43.2 cm); W. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); D. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Manuscript: H. 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm); W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); D. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art and David L. Rawle Gifts, 2017
Object Number: 2017.209
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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