Vintage Miniature Monk’s Hsun Ok Offering Bowl, Burma/Myanmar (6219EHC) $185

$185.00

H: 10.5”  Dia: 4.25″ | FREE SHIPPING

Made in Pagan this miniature hsun-ok demonstrates the remarkable sense of design of Burmese wood-carvers. It is crafted in two separate parts and replicates the shape of larger hsun-Ok, which traditionally have covers with spired lids topped by elegant finials that imitate the soaring outline of Burmese stupa finials. This modest piece is composed of circular tiers repeated on the foot and the bottom part of the stupa finial top. A very laborious lacquer process was used to make this elegant piece using woven bamboo covered with many, many layers of lacquer, and it is in excellent condition.

Description

Used in Theravada Buddhism in Burma/Myanmar a larger hsun ok is a vessel with a round bowl set on a pedestal that flares out to a circular foot-ring, with the top surmounted by a stupa like spire finial. Referred to as an offering vessel, traditionally many Burmese households use large ones to routinely bring offerings of food to the local monasteries and temples to feed monks. They are usually constructed of bamboo or another thin wood and covered with multiple coats of red lacquer of cinnabar mixed with natural tree sap.  Buddhists in Burma/Myanmar believe that offerings to support monks is an important duty and that making offerings helps accumulate merit to assure better karma in their next life.  Miniature vintage hsun-oks are relatively rare and are traditionally used as home decorations or on Burmese domestic shrines to hold very small items that are offered to the image of the Buddha located there, along with flowers and fruit. Domestic shrines are usually built into the sidewalls of homes and are the focus of daily devotions. This is part of the VA Collections of Buddhist-Art and Burmese-Art.

 

Additional information

Weight 4 lbs
Dimensions 12 × 10 × 6 in
Place of Origin

Burma/Myanmar

Period

Vintage (1920-1980)

Date

1920-1980

Dimensions (inches)

Ht: 10.5" Dia: 4.25"

Dimensions (metric)

Ht: 26.67cm Dia: 10.795cm

Weight

11.4 oz

Condition

Excellent, fine patina demonstrating age and use

Reference Number

6219EHC

Shipping Box Size