Table thumbnail 1
Table thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Table

1st half 20th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The table in two pieces; the top octagonal, the bottom of light sections hinged vertically to fit a corresponding shape in the top. It is decorated with scenes from the Vessantara Jataka (one of the earlier lives of the Buddha) It tells of the donation of a white elephant and his son and daughter by Vessantara to a needy country. In black, green and gold on a red ground. The underside of the top and the inside of the lower part are red and undecorated.
The Burmese inscriptions in catouches around the rim of the table identify the maker:
"Hsaya Khant - best artist - Upper Burma - Pagan - Mhon-Kyo [quarter].


Object details

Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Table
  • Table Top
Materials and techniques
Wood with metal hinges; the designs are executed in yun (incised) thitsi-lacquer technique.
Brief description
Burmese octagonal wood table top and stand. Lacquered and decorated in the yun (incised) technique with the Vessantara Jataka in black, green and gold on a red ground. Made by Hsaya Khant of Pagan. ca. 1925-1950.
Physical description
The table in two pieces; the top octagonal, the bottom of light sections hinged vertically to fit a corresponding shape in the top. It is decorated with scenes from the Vessantara Jataka (one of the earlier lives of the Buddha) It tells of the donation of a white elephant and his son and daughter by Vessantara to a needy country. In black, green and gold on a red ground. The underside of the top and the inside of the lower part are red and undecorated.
The Burmese inscriptions in catouches around the rim of the table identify the maker:
"Hsaya Khant - best artist - Upper Burma - Pagan - Mhon-Kyo [quarter].
Dimensions
  • Height: 65cm
  • Across directly opposite points of octagonal top diameter: 69cm
Object history
Purchased from Audrey Bowley Antiques
Production
Previously considered 19th century. Based on the recent identification of the maker it has been re-attributed to 2nd quarter of the 20th century by Ralph Isaacs. 1998
Bibliographic reference
Sylvia Fraser Lu; Burmese Lacquerware; Tamarind Press Bangkok; 1985; p. 138
Collection
Accession number
IS.35-1975

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Record createdJanuary 29, 2001
Record URL
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