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Manuscript

ca. 1880 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This folding manuscript or parabaik illustrates the King and Queen of Burma inspecting the military and taking part in other courtly activities. The ceremonies illustrated in the five folios here are: the towing of the Royal Barge; an elephant procession; a polo match; a performance with musicians and dancers; and a royal procession with the King and Queen.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Folding leaves of paper made from the bark of the paper tree (mahlaing in Burmese or broussonetia papyrefera); illustrations in watercolour
Brief description
Burmese parabaik (folding manuscript) illustrating military and court activities. Probably from the Palace of King Thibaw (r. 1878-1885) at Mandalay. Konbaung Dynasty 1752-1885). Watercolour on paper. ca. 1880
Physical description
Folding manuscript illustrating a form of ceremonial for a military inspection by the King and Queen of Burma and other activities related to court life. The ceremonies illustrated are:
(1) Towing of the Royal Barge
(2) Royal Elephant procession
(3) Lancers demonstrating their skill with targets.
(4) Lancers at Polo
(5) Cavalry display their skill.
(6) Display of war elephants
(7) Taming of wild elephants
(8) Elephant training
(9) Royal audience
(10) Dramatic performance with orchestra
(11) Royal procession on foot
Dimensions
  • Length: 40.7cm
  • Folded width: 17.8cm
Style
Credit line
Given by Mr. N.G. Cholmeley
Production
The RP's contain no mention of the donor's connection with Burma nor is there a provenance for the parabaiks. However style and content place it as Burmese and quality is such that they were created for the Court at Mandalay probably for King Thibaw r. 1878-1885.
Summary
This folding manuscript or parabaik illustrates the King and Queen of Burma inspecting the military and taking part in other courtly activities. The ceremonies illustrated in the five folios here are: the towing of the Royal Barge; an elephant procession; a polo match; a performance with musicians and dancers; and a royal procession with the King and Queen.
Collection
Accession number
IM.87-1936

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Record createdDecember 10, 2001
Record URL
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