This bowl depicts scenes from the popular Burmese tale of Prince U-deh-na, who is able to tame elephants using a magical lute given to him by Thagyamin, King of the Nats. Shan-style foliage scrolls run between narrative panels, and in a band below the rim. An inscription in Burmese on the base reads “1908. Mr. Pa Thit’s Silver Bowl.”The art of making silverware has been practiced in Burma for centuries. The pierced-work design of this bowl is rare, as such silver receptacles are usually made for everyday use or ritual purposes, and need to be watertight.
