This globular silver bowl was handcrafted using a combination of high relief or repoussé and open work techniques. It is decorated with scenes from the Burmese folklore.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 ( such as this bowl) and zodiac signs. The shape of the bowl is inspired by a monk's alms bowl and is generally reserved for ceremonial purposes.The fine, detailed work suggests that this object was likely created by a very experienced master silversmith.
