This large, globular silver bowl was handcrafted using a combination of low relief or repoussé and open work techniques. It is decorated with mythical birds and other animals, some of which are taken from the Burmese astrological symbols. The motifs are featured against a backdrop of floral scrolls. The plain silver rim is ornamented below with a foliage design. The art of making silverware was practised in Burma for centuries. Silverware traditionally depicted scenes, characters and symbolic motifs from the Buddhist Jataka Tales (which tell of the Buddha's previous lives), along with scenes from the Indian epic, the Ramayana and zodiac signs. The shape of the bowl is inspired by a monk's alms bowl and is generally reserved for ceremonial purposes.
