Untitled

Court of King Mindon or Thibaw, or associated workshops

1870s–1880s · Watercolor and gold on mulberry paper, with gilt lacquered wood covers and cloth lined box · Asian Art

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.

Artist

Court of King Mindon or Thibaw, or associated workshops

Date

1870s–1880s

Medium

Watercolor and gold on mulberry paper, with gilt lacquered wood covers and cloth lined box

Culture

Burma

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art and David L. Rawle Gifts, 2017